Parsons suffered a career-ending eye injury in 1939, forcing him to retire from the National Hockey League.

The George Parsons Trophy is given annually to the player judged to be the most sportsmanlike at the Memorial Cup tournament.

An on-ice accident at Maple Leaf Gardens against the Chicago Black Hawks resulted in Parsons losing his left eye.

[3] The league had previously adopted the Trushinski Bylaw by-law which forbade players with one eye to play.

[2] Parsons became involved with CCM hockey, helping to develop helmets and facial protection that would be safer for players.