Drafted Into Obscurity < Scott Scissons >

1989 Saskatoon Blades

Scott Scissons was living the Canadian dream.

After two stellar seasons with his hometown Saskatoon Blades, he was picked sixth overall in the 1990 NHL entry draft by the New York Islanders. Jaromir Jagr, a future Hart Trophy winner as the most valuable player in the NHL, was selected one spot earlier.

1990 NHL Draft

An NHL career was in the cards for Scissons, or so it seemed.

After five injury-plagued seasons as a journeyman pro, and three games in the NHL, he retired in 1995. "Without question it's disappointing," says Scissons.

"It was as good a chance as anybody at that age. I just spent more time in the hospital than I did on the ice." Scissons's medical record has no competitors.

1994 New York Islanders

Both his shoulders and his back refused to stay together.

Before the 1995 season Scissons was on the verge of signing with the Dallas Stars. He even passed the physical, but the team doctor had other ideas. "The doctor told me the next time I get hit improperly you may not walk again," says Scissons. "I decided there was more to life at 22."

Scissons, 34, is more than comfortable with his turn of events. "I wouldn't change much. There's certain things you can control and you can't control the injuries.