If you've been following the news in the last few weeks you may recall that 20 year old OHL player Terry Trafford had gone missing after being dismissed from his team the Saginaw Spirit. This past Tuesday his body had been found and it was determined that he had died by self-inflicted asphyxiation. While an incredibly heart-breaking tragedy, Trafford's death has now shed light on the issue of mental health in high pressure sports leagues such as the OHL and other major junior hockey leagues.
The two articles below both go into this issue in detail, highlighting the "culture of toughness", as well as delving into how hiding weakness or vulnerability is the norm in these leagues, and how when dreams are on the line emotions can run high and mental health issues can be prevalent. More than that though, they push for change and call for more support for mental health within the OHL, in addition to addressing the stigma of mental illness in sports.
"Over 90% of OHL players will never reach the NHL —the ultimate dream. With this realization, comes a feeling of sadness. Some experience this feeling in manageable doses, while others experience a much deeper pain. Knowing this reality, doesn’t it make sense that the OHL should signify promoting and supporting mental health as a major priority in their mandate?"
"What the Tragic Death of Terry Trafford Has Taught Us" by Jamie McKiven
"Terry Trafford's Tragic Death Must Prompt OHL to Evaluate Mental Health Strategy" by Neate Sager (Yahoo)
The two articles below both go into this issue in detail, highlighting the "culture of toughness", as well as delving into how hiding weakness or vulnerability is the norm in these leagues, and how when dreams are on the line emotions can run high and mental health issues can be prevalent. More than that though, they push for change and call for more support for mental health within the OHL, in addition to addressing the stigma of mental illness in sports.
"Over 90% of OHL players will never reach the NHL —the ultimate dream. With this realization, comes a feeling of sadness. Some experience this feeling in manageable doses, while others experience a much deeper pain. Knowing this reality, doesn’t it make sense that the OHL should signify promoting and supporting mental health as a major priority in their mandate?"
"What the Tragic Death of Terry Trafford Has Taught Us" by Jamie McKiven
"Terry Trafford's Tragic Death Must Prompt OHL to Evaluate Mental Health Strategy" by Neate Sager (Yahoo)
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