Ex-Canucks defenceman Tucker Poolman opens up about autoimmune disease, post playing career, and more
Poolman said he first began to feel symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue the following morning after a game against the Edmonton Oilers on January 25, 2022.
In the following game, Poolman played, but logged just under 8:00 minutes of ice time after being pulled from the game due to feeling numbness on his face, hands and torso.”
The defenceman would not return to the Canucks lineup until a game in April that same year, where he played seven shifts before having to leave due to more symptoms. Telling Schlossman, “I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing well right now. Also, I’m probably going to hurt myself.’ Physically, things were shutting down. I thought I was going to go crashing into the boards.”
The following season, Poolman attempted to make a return after feelling better in the offseason; however, that return would only last three games, which ultimately ended up being the final three games of Poolman’s NHL career.
After a frustrating search for a diagnosis that included many visits to specialists across North America, Poolman was diagnosed on March 9, 2023, with a rare autoimmune disease called Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG). Poolman began to receive some treatment, which caused his “flare-ups” to subside.
Following his treatment, Poolman did attempt to make a comeback once he began feeling better. He started working out in his home, though this attempt ended up being short-lived as the “flare-ups” started once again.
Poolman began more treatment, to which he “responded well.” Though, according to him, he will likely have to manage this disease for the rest of his life. “The medication helps, but at this point, I don’t think I’m ever going to get back to 100%.”
Poolman’s wife, Jesse, said it was difficult for things to end the way they did. “We loved Vancouver. We were excited to be there for four years. That was devastating to have that come to an end. But overall, we were grateful he was starting to feel better.”
Poolman signed a four-year deal with the Canucks during the 2021 offseason, though ultimately he only played 43 games over a season and a bit. The team paid out his contract, until they dealt him to the Colorado Avalanche with a fourth-round pick for Erik Brännström in 2024.
Poolman is now living in Grand Forks and is a volunteer coach for the East Grand Forks Senior High boys hockey team.
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