Gilbert Brule quitting hockey to become a firefighter

After being suspended by the Phoenix Coyotes for failing to report to AHL Portland earlier this week, Gilbert Brule's hockey career appears to be coming to a close.

According to Coyotes' general manager Don Maloney, the 27-year old forward has decided to quit professional hockey in order to pursue a different career path.

"It's pretty simple. He decided that he didn't want to live out of a suitcase anymore, was sick of living at hotels, and told me he was going to quit hockey - maybe become a firefighter," Maloney said, via azcentral.com. "So what we do procedurally is we suspended him and unless he has a change of heart very, very quickly, we'll go through the procedure of terminating his contract."

Drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005, Brule signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Coyotes in November. He failed to register a point in three games with the team, and didn't appear willing to face the rigours of minor-league hockey in order to make it back with the big club.

"I think it is surprising," Maloney said. "He's still a relatively young player, but hey listen, even though he's young, he's been playing pro hockey for a long time. I think he's just tired of doing what he's doing, obviously. Good luck, God speed and move on."

In 299 career NHL games, Brule scored 43 goals and added 52 assists.