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Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark is a hero for speaking out on his personal struggles, blazing a trail for anyone needing help.
The recent interview with Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark is a must-watch. Ullmark sat down with TSN’s Claire Hanna to discuss his leave of absence from the club.
While there are plenty of takeaways from the interview, there’s one that underscores the entire discussion: Linus Ullmark is a hero for speaking out.
It’s worth noting that he didn’t have to do this interview. As Hanna noted, everyone must respect his privacy. But the fact that the Senators’ netminder was forthcoming about his struggles is something that deserves acclaim.
Everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances, can see themselves in Ullmark’s journey. His personal struggles and the pressures of being a pro athlete are not easy to discuss publicly.
Ullmark, nevertheless, showed remarkable poise and composure when discussing deeply personal issues. In particular, the grievous attacks on his private life and his family were nothing short of devastating. Such attacks are enough to knock anyone’s lights out.
But the Senators’ star has managed to rebound and find himself in a better place. As he pointed out, returning to the ice is not on the horizon. But that’s beyond the point. Ullmark’s candid admission of his mental health issues is just as valuable, if not more so, than any save he could make in a game.
The Ottawa Senators and the NHL are lucky to have a player who had the courage to speak up for those who haven’t found the courage. That’s why Ullmark is a champion for everyone, regardless of their walk of life, who has ever dealt with mental health issues.
Senators Had Ullmark’s Back All Along
One of the key points that Ullmark highlighted was how the Senators had his back the whole time. The egregious personal attacks on social media prompted team GM Steve Staios to publicly defend Ullmark.
While it might have been easier to deflect the social media attacks on Ullmark, the Senators did the right thing, as an organization, to stand up for him.
Now, Ullmark has done an incredibly courageous thing by speaking up. Ullmark’s interview validates everything the Senators organization has done for their starting netminder. The organization has provided him with the support and the tools he needs to get back on his feet.
When he returns to the ice is ultimately beside the point. What truly matters is that Ullmark’s struggles were not swept under the rug. The team took it seriously, and Ullmark, as a person, will be better off for it.
Ullmark’s Struggles Not Limited to Just NHLers
Linus Ullmark’s struggles are not just a thing NHLers need to deal with. It’s not even a thing Ottawa Senators players have to withstand.
These mental health issues are the sort of thing every pro athlete has to endure. In every sport, pros deal with pressure, expectations, and the stress that comes with performing at the highest level all the time.
There are no days off when the spotlight hits. Failures go under the microscope. Every action and reaction goes into dissection.
Pro athletes, like everyday folks, must deal with the pressures of life. That’s why it’s tremendously powerful to have someone like Ullmark break down a crucial barrier. He’s a role model for boys growing up, and anyone afraid to ask for help when they need it most.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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