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Playing in front of screaming fans. Traveling to all corners of North America–and sometimes the globe–to play the best of the best. Having teammates from different cultures united by a sport. Driving fancy cars and wearing stylish suits. Making a substantial amount of money. These things are all aspects of the life of an NHL player. Many hockey players dream of playing in front of thousands and experiencing the rush of it all. But as time passes, players get older and their bodies can’t take the demands of the NHL life anymore. Like all things, hockey doesn’t last forever, and it gets to the point of retirement. However, life after the NHL looks different for each player.
Passing the Time with Pastimes
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By the time many players retire, they have already created a family of their own. It’s likely many of them have made enough money to keep themselves and their families set up for life, so there is no need to find another source of income. Naturally, some players end up pursuing a hobby. Former Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators star Mike Fisher lives on a 400-acre farm just outside of Nashville with his wife, country music artist Carrie Underwood, and their two sons. Former Montréal Canadiens goaltender and six-time Stanley Cup Champion Ken Dryden decided to focus on his academic and intellectual hobbies. After he hung up his skates, Dryden became an author, politician and college professor. Notably, the most unique career change is former Quebec Nordiques goaltender Clint Malarchuk becoming a veterinary technician and opening a horse dentistry practice.
Working Behind the Scenes
Courtesy of ESPN
For some players, hockey is still their whole life, even after their retirement. Rather than leaving the sport for good, they trade their skates in for dress shoes. Many former players become coaches, sportscasters, or move into the front office to stay in the game for as long as possible. Besides being an academic, Dryden was also a sportscaster for the 1980,1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics, including being a commentator during ABC’s coverage for the infamous “Miracle on Ice” game. He was also the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 to 1999. Former Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks star and six-time Stanley Cup Champion Mark Messier is an ESPN studio analyst. P.K. Subban, who played for the Montréal Canadiens, Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils, is an ESPN broadcast analyst. Former Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers star Martin St. Louis is the head coach for the Montréal Canadiens.
The Other Side
(Left): Courtesy of Eric Seals/Detroit Free Press (Right) Courtesy of Getty Images
The transition from professional hockey to regular life can be incredibly difficult. Though many players have seen success outside of the NHL, a few have faced hardships in their lives after their time in the sport has ended. Joe Murphy was a Michigan State University star and NCAA champion. He was drafted first overall in the 1986 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings and eventually won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. He spent 15 seasons in the NHL and had a successful career.
However, Murphy–or “Murph” as he was called by his teammates–has faced adversity since leaving the NHL. Currently, he lives on the streets of Kenora, Ont. He struggles with depression, anxiety and addiction as a result of a severe concussion and skull fracture he sustained after a hit from a teammate in practice. He says that it is a “blessing” that he ended up in Kenora, as the people there treat him kindly and make sure he is taken care of.
As sad as Murphy’s story is, he is by no means the only player who has struggled mentally due to injury while playing in the NHL. Many players leave the league struggling with depression, anxiety, anger issues, and addiction. This issue has led to some players who have struggled, such as former Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Boynton to advocate for a change so that more hockey players get the resources they need to better their mental health.
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Retiring from playing in the NHL is a deal. Some players make the most of their retirement by pursuing their interests or staying in the game, while others have a hard time facing personal demons. Luckily now, the NHL has many resources, such as the NHLPA UNLMT, to aid players making the transition.
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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