Concussions permanently bench Jason King

St. John's IceCaps right-wing Jason King will be taking a step back from the ice but has been hired as an assistant coach for the team, according to a news release sent out on Friday.

He has been playing with the IceCaps for the last two seasons.

King, 31 and from Corner Brook, said in the release that while the announcement signifies the end of his career as a player, he's excited to stick with the game as a coach.

"I'm grateful to the [Winnipeg] Jets and the IceCaps for this opportunity and I look forward to the challenge," King said in the release.

"It's particularly gratifying to be able to take this next step here, in my home province."

Danny Williams, IceCaps president and CEO, said in the statement that King means many things to the organization.

"Jason is a proud Newfoundlander and was a great player and leader for the IceCaps," Williams said in the release.

"But he's also a great family man and has represented the organization with class in the community. We are very pleased to be able to keep Jason in the fold and we wish him the best."