T-birds center to retire

Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell today announced center Tyler Alos has retired from hockey.

"Tyler is a valuable member of our team and will be missed," Farwell said. "He has been advised by doctors against returning to the ice this season. We know this was a difficult decision to make but it is made in his long term best interest and we fully support him."

Alos will remain with the T-Birds for the balance of the season to assist the coaching staff. He also will start using his WHL scholarship at a school to be determined.

"It's been a great four years with the T-Birds," Alos said. "The fans and the organization have treated me very well. I am disappointed my playing career is coming to an end but I am looking forward to helping the team wherever possible and starting to learn the game from a coaching perspective."

Alos, from Spokane, played in 201 career games in four years with the T-Birds and had 56 points on 19 goals and 37 assists.

The T-Birds next hit the ice at 7:05 p.m. Thursday against the Tri-City Americans at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.