TORONTO -- Steve Moore says the 10 years since his NHL career ended with an on-ice attack have been "long and trying," but he is glad to be done with the legal ordeal.
Moore's multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks was settled shortly before trial. Bertuzzi had pleaded guilty to criminal assault causing bodily harm for the 2004 hit.
"The injuries I sustained in my rookie year, the years I spent trying to return to my NHL career, and dealing with the loss of my career and the ensuing legal case, have been long and trying experiences," Moore said in a statement. "While nothing replaces the loss of one's dream, I am happy my family will no longer be burdened by an unresolved legal case, and I am grateful to be able to move forward."
Bertuzzi's lawyer confirmed the settlement two weeks ago. Moore's lawyer, Tim Danson, says there was no "binding and enforceable settlement until the language of the settlement documents was agreed to by all parties." He says that happened Thursday.
Moore's lawsuit alleged the Canucks put a bounty on him following his check as a Colorado Avalanche rookie that injured Vancouver captain Markus Naslund.
The 35-year-old Moore said he looks forward to continuing to bring attention to the prevention and treatment of concussions and other head and neck injuries in sport through The Steve Moore Foundation.
"While my own hockey career was cut short, my love for the game has never diminished," he said.
