We have allowed athletes to foreclose their identity before knowing who or what they really want to be in life. You can still become Scheifele or Landeskog (my favs) and have a deeper identity than simply, a hockey player. A hockey player is not an identity anyways... https://twitter.com/simmonssteve/status/1346246200807346177

“When you get to a certain age, and you’re pursuing a dream, and that dream is put on hold, that’s a problem."

We are allowing this to be a problem.

Sad that youth are this impacted by one of an infinite multiplicity of opportunities to interact and identify with the world.

In fact, I would argue a deeper identity (beyond simply the medium of hockey) is a more powerful, sustainable route to becoming a professional. Plus, it will help fend off the growing neurosis that we see today, anxiety, depression, masochism, etc.

This needs to change. Youth need time, experience and guidance to find an identity that allows them to powerfully interact with the world regardless of which medium they choose or life chooses for them. Hockey, music, school... tobogganing, etc.

If the NHL shut down tomorrow @GabeLandeskog92 would march down to the local fire station and happily apply for a job. Because he is more than a hockey player. He brings spirit in his heart, curiosity in his mind and a thirst for challenge wherever he goes.