“When you play a sport like hockey and are known for being so tough, it might be hard to speak on something that is sensitive in nature,” said Capitals star Jakob Chychrun about how mental health can be an issue that’s normally dusted under the rug. But former NHL netminder Kelly Hrudey is all about opening up on the stigma. The Calgary Flames commentator isn’t shy to bring more attention to how mental health struggles can make life miserable, and with his latest victory over his inner demons, Hrudey once again had the chance to prove his point.

The former New York Islanders goalie started understanding mental health through his daughter after she was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD. Since then, the Calgary Flames broadcaster has become a staunch advocate in the field. But his own battles are far from over. Luckily, the good days continue to inspire.

Calgary Flames get their pre-game booster from NHL veteran despite mental trouble pothole

In his latest triumphant X post from February 8, Kelly shared how he managed to undertake his pre-game duties for the Calgary Flames despite facing mental health troubles. “I was extremely anxious about the pre-game tonight. Close to a panic attack. Proud of myself, I got through it, as difficult as it was,” Hrudey wrote in his social media update, and the joy could hardly be overlooked.

The Flames are taking on the Seattle Kraken at the Scotiabank Saddledome. while Seattle is desperate to end their three-match losing streak, Calgary is looking to get back to winning ways after the 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche a couple of nights ago. Thankfully, the voice that supplies the Flames with motivation was up and about doing its duty, albeit hitting a roadblock on the way. “Tonight was a big, big WIN!!!” the Calgary Flames’ regional voice exclaimed vehemently.

Earlier, in an earnest social media post from 2023, Hrudey thanked the people around him for their support to help him navigate troubled waters. “If not for @hrudfam answering a million desperate calls, my broadcast partner Rick Ball and our producer Larry Isaac I don’t know if I could have called game with Rick,” he wrote on X, thanking his wife Donna Hrudey. But while the retired NHL star continues to find his way through adversities, it’s not like he’s the only one taking the fight to mental health issues.

Mental health becoming more and more addressed by NHL personalities

The Washington Capitals’ star defensive player Jakob Chychrun started the DIFD at the Royal with the goal of spreading mental health awareness among youths. The motivation came from his personal experience when he lost his cousin, Daron, who took her life at the age of 14. “There was a tragedy that our family went through…she was so special to our family. Such great memories together,” the NHL celebrity said recently in a post on X. Thankfully, the shadows that mental troubles can cast on athletes and their lives are slowly becoming common knowledge, and efforts are bulking up to minimize its effects.

Retired NHL forward Andrew Ladd started the 1616 initiative to help youth hockey players learn how to handle adversity. This is what the ex-Islanders player said about his project: “It made sense in terms of the mentality that we’re trying to teach kids, that you’re going to have tough moments and challenges in your life. We want to teach them the buffalo mindset, which is pushing into those challenges because those will help you grow, and you’ll get stronger because of it.”

The NHL Players’ Association also announced recently that its mental health training program, launched a year ago, would now be available for the minors in the AHL and the ECHL. “To know that all professional hockey players in the NHLPA and the PHPA now have access to peer-to-peer mental health education is a huge win for our game,” said NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh about the expansion which will make the training program available for more than 1000 players of the PHPA. A definite win for the community. How do you think these initiatives and the Calgary Flames broadcaster’s battle against mental health will usher in a new era in the sport in the coming years? Tell us!