Announced via story post from his wife Savannah Ghost Pirates Defenseman Tanner Vescio is leaving the Ghost Pirates and it’s not to join another team. This past season, Tanner experienced two major concussions that have left residual symptoms that have affected his day-to-day life. These concussions that Tanner has been diagnosed with in his professional career are not a minor thing to overlook.
Concussions leave players unable to complete minor tasks and can leave long-term disabilities even after the main symptoms have resolved. They are also in the realm of CTE, which has only started to really be taken seriously in the last decade. We have seen many players affected by concussions and, ultimately, ailments and disabilities related directly to traumatic brain injuries. In the last five years, the studies regarding the effects and prevention have ramped up; however, they are still part of the major injuries that affect many sports with high-impact play.
Tanner has been with the Ghost Pirates for one season, competing in 38 games with three goals and three assists. He was involved with the trade with Wheeling Nailers and Brandon Hickey, but will not spend time with the Nailers due to announcing his retirement. Prior to joining the Ghost Pirates, he was an NCAA athlete with Northern Michigan University for four seasons, his last wearing the C, playing 88 games with five goals and eight assists. Tanner also spent some time in the USHL, playing 55 games with four goals and nine assists.
Tanner hasn’t announced his next step, but according to an Instagram post, he will still be in the hockey realm coaching and exploring an entrepreneurial career.
