In the wake of Carey Price’s decision to walk away from hockey and seek help, there has been widespread support for the Montreal Canadiens’ star goalkeeper, and it marks what appears to be a shift in mental health treatment in the world of losers. professional and amateur sports. .
Dr. Gordon Bloom, a professor of sports psychology at McGill University, said it’s a change from the old narrative that athletes should “always hang on, be a tough guy” even when they need help or aren’t feeling well.
“I think it’s going to send a message that will resonate from the NHL to junior hockey,” he told Global News.
Price is voluntarily entering the NHL player assistance program, though few details were provided on what was behind the decision. The 34-year-old has not spoken publicly since the news was announced, but his wife wrote a message of support, citing mental health as the reason for Price’s temporary absence from the network.
READ MORE: Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price Voluntarily Enters Player Assistance Program
Habs general manager Marc Bergevin told reporters Thursday that they caught him off guard, but encouraged others to seek help when necessary. “Better days are ahead for Carey,” he added.
With Price and teammate Jonathan Drouin taking time out of the game to seek help, Bloom compared the changing perspectives around mental health to how conversations about concussions have changed in the NHL.
He noted how Sidney Crosby, coming off the ice to recover from repeated concussions, prompted professional sports organizations and athletes to recognize the severity of head injuries.
The fact that sports leagues and governing bodies now also offer assistance programs has made it easier for athletes to feel comfortable revealing that they are experiencing something that needs to be addressed, Bloom explained.
“In the past, they were afraid to say it, because of the stigma, the negative stigma associated with saying that you are struggling, that you are not tough, that your mental health is weak,” said Bloom.
“We are really trying to change that narrative and we are well on our way.”
Price has been known for his stoic demeanor during his long career with the Habs. He has accumulated trophies from Vezina, Jennings, Ted Lindsay and Hart Memorial. It has also helped lead Canada to Olympic gold.
It’s a positive step forward in the mental health discussion if Price, who is considered one of the best goalkeepers in modern hockey, can pause, Bloom said.
“It’s not much bigger, more pressurized than that and he’s saying ‘I have to get away,'” Bloom said.
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‘We only wish him the best’
Habs players only received messages of support for Price in the middle of his sudden departure.
“Our families are close and it’s difficult when you really judge a book by its cover,” said advocate Jeff Petry.
“He is a guy who comes every day and you think that everything is fine and it is unfortunate that it has reached a point. We only wish him the best. “
Goalkeeper Jake Allen, who will likely replace Price as the new season begins, said he has already reached out to Price directly.
Montreal Canadiens defender Jeff Petry (26) celebrates with goalkeeper Carey Price.
The team supports “Carey Price, the human being,” Allan told reporters after a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators.
“The hockey player can wait as long as it takes to get what he needs to get back on his feet,” Allan said. “That’s all we care about in this locker room.”
“Hockey is secondary in this regard.”
Price’s decision has also caused a sensation in the NHL, with Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares describing him as a “world-class netminder” and saying he doesn’t wish Price the best.
Read more:
Anxiety and insomnia led Canadiens star Jonathan Drouin to take a break from hockey
Former goalkeeper Corey Hirsch also chimed in, saying he was “extremely proud” of Price.
“I hope more players feel more confident about getting help,” Hirsch wrote on Twitter. “I thank everyone here who is showing love and support for Carey. This is how we will create change. “
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, there are resources available. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate help.
Crisis Services CanadaThe toll-free helpline provides 24/7 assistance at 1-833-456-4566. Quebec residents can call 1-866-277-3553.
–With files from Dan Spector of Global News and The Canadian Press
© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca