Last week University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s hockey’s Gabby Krause announced she was medically retiring after 110 games and three seasons with the Bulldogs. Then on Wednesday the senior forward shared why.

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“I had a herniated disc between my L4-L5. That was causing a lot of neurological symptoms for me,” Krause explained. “So surgery was to correct my herniation because it was directly on my nerve. With the MRI that I just had in September, it shows I still have like a small herniation. I still have numbness and stuff, so I think if I kept playing it would have prolonged the process of healing.”

Krause has been dealing with the injury since her sophomore year. She went on to say her aspirations of becoming a police officer also played into her decision to retire.

This year she will still skate with the team at low impact practices or skill days, and help out on the bench on games days.

“I’m in charge of face-off wins and losses between all of our centers, then I’m the communication between the bench and the press box. So if we have anything to look at, challenge anything, I’m that person that will make that decision,” Krause said.

No. 4 UMD (5-3) returns from a bye week this weekend visiting Minnesota State University, Mankato. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday in Mankato.