The sports world is reeling from news that retired NHL player Wade Belak was found dead of a suspected suicide on Wednesday.
Belak, who played for six NHL teams through parts of 14 seasons, is the third on-ice enforcer to die in the past four months.
In May, New York Rangers Derek Boogaard died because of an accidental mix of alcohol and painkillers, while Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien was found dead earlier this month from an apparent suicide.
The tragedies have led to speculation about a possible connection between these individuals’ deaths and their experience as enforcers on the ice.
Saul Miller, a sports psychologist who has worked with half a dozen NHL teams, is hesitant to make that connection because the three cases are different from each other.
However, he concedes that enforcers deal with extraordinary pressure during their playing careers and, for various reasons, could suffer from severe depression.
“Enforcers suffer from concussions because they are being hit in the head repeatedly,” says Miller. “Some research indicates that recurring concussions can lead to depression.”
“I think people are paying very serious attention to concussions and blows to the head and the role of the enforcer.
“I don’t think anybody can stop until we really understand the impact it has not only physically, but emotionally as well.”
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Miller also notes that enforcers deal with extra pressure on the ice.
“When you’re an enforcer, you’re like the fastest gun in the West,” says Miller. “There is tremendous pressure to uphold your reputation as a tough guy. You don’t have to win every fight but you have to answer the bell every time. You are always being challenged on the ice – often by some young gun who wants to unseat you.”
Paul Bissonnette, an enforcer with the Phoenix Coyotes, understands why some people have made the connection between the recent individuals’ deaths and their experience as on-ice enforcers.
“Just playing that very limited role, in and out of the lineup, you feel worthless,” says Bissonnette. “I could see where that would probably wear on guys along with the fighting and getting hit in the head constantly.
“The amount of mind games we play with ourselves is very high and that’s what people need to realize.”
Retirement is challenging for people in many spheres – none more than those in professional sports.
“When you’re playing the game, you’re in the spotlight and have the adulation of a lot of people,” says Miller. “That disappears when you retire and that’s a big adjustment.”
Miller, for one, believes the NHL could do more to help players with mental health issues.
“All the NHL clubs I have worked with have excellent medical resources, but players need to avail themselves of those services,” he says.
“I worked with a player who suffered from mood disorders. He sought help and has been thriving in the league for years.”
Miller, who has written eight books including “Performing Under Pressure” and “Hockey Tough: A Winning Mental Game,” says the NHLPA could put together an information package – perhaps in the form of a DVD – letting players know about the resources available to them, and encouraging them to get help if they need it.
Certainly, no one suspected that Belak, who retired in March, needed help.
While preparing to participate in the CBC show, Battle of the Blades he seemed to be in good spirits.
“He was joking, he was happy,” said the parent of a youngster who approached Belak at an arena in Mississauga, Ont. “I didn’t sense that anything was odd or off. He wasn’t standoffish, he was absolutely open and didn’t mind spending the time and just talking for a couple of minutes.
“He was great.”
With files from The Canadian Press
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