This story is so huge – for many reasons.
Slater Koekkoek – the man pictured here, is not a big-named NHL player…but his reveal (only pieces of which are shared here) is so massive.
In total he’s only played 186 career NHL games w the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, & Edmonton Oilers. For those who don’t follow hockey – that’s not a ton, as a single season alone, is 82 games. So, just over 2 total seasons of games.
Despite STILL being under contract w the Oilers this season, Koekkoek’s yet to play a game.
As the season started, at only 29, Slater was absent from training camp. His GM, Ken Holland told reporters he needed to prioritize his mental health.
Here’s the part I love most: Slater didn’t go to a major news outlet…he didn’t reveal the what’s on this card (& the following), tied to an app or telehealth endorsement deal: he wrote a post on Linked-In, from his OWN words. He started that post selflessly: “I left the game just over a year ago & thought I’d share a little bit of my story throughout the next while in case someone is feeling shame. You are not alone.”
He went on to chronicle how his MH caused him to not be able to eat – at all – before & sometimes after games. He’d be jabbed & ridiculed by teammate for it. He shared “the stuff” & not just the label.
Personally Slater, I can relate: same here. The wks leading up to my crash, I had to force fast food egg sandwiches down my throat bc I had ZERO not only desire, but reminder from my brain – to eat. It was like my system didn’t crave it. I realize now that’s a sign of nervous system dysregulation, but didn’t then. Then I just bugged out – why don’t I wanna eat?
Next slides➡️similar topic, yesterday’s teacher PD in Albany we broke into groups & had folks share what their thoughts & behaviors were when they faced a challenging life event, & moved to a diff place on the SameHere Scale (video). Stopping eating/system shut down, a common one.
Speaking of NHL, last slide➡️, working w the @buffalosabres on a MH awareness game on 3/21. Please join or get the word out if you know folks in the area.
A lot of hockey “doin’ good” recently.