Bullfrogs’ Cook Plans to Retire After World In-Line Tournament

Defenseman Joe Cook said Tuesday he will not return to play with the Bullfrogs when the International Ice Hockey Federation World In-Line Hockey Championship is over.

Cook suffered a concussion, his seventh in the last three seasons, in a Roller Hockey International game June 28 at San Jose and has missed the last five games. He was cleared to return after medical tests showed no permanent damage, but Cook said he has concluded that it would be foolish to continue.

“I think my career in both ice hockey and roller hockey was too short, but I had to evaluate what I want to do,” he said. “I don’t really consider this retiring, just shifting gears to different elements.”

Cook said he will concentrate on expanding his roller hockey schools, based in Irvine and Corona, and will consider playing in select amateur in-line tournaments in which checking is not allowed.

Cook, who has played with the Bullfrogs since the team was formed five years ago, ranks fifth in career team scoring (135).

His retirement will leave the Bullfrog defense depleted. Darren Perkins is still recuperating from a torn quadriceps and Doug McCarthy is playing for Canada at the World In-Line Hockey Championship.