There's endless hockey news out there, but these are the stories that matter most – the ones that'll keep you ahead of the game. I spend the week searching so you don't have to. While you're busy with work, practices, games, and everything else life throws at you, I dive deep into the hockey world.

Here's what we'll cover in less than 5 minutes:

• Marc Crawford's brave step opens crucial mental health conversation

• NHL's mental health program expanding to help 1,000+ minor league players

• The hockey rundown.

Let’s dive in!

Mental Health in Hockey: It's Time to Talk

When Marc Crawford, the first NHL coach I worked for in Dallas, announced his resignation from the ZSC Lions this week for mental health reasons, it hit close to home. Here was a Stanley Cup champion coach, leading the first-place team in Switzerland, showing incredible courage by stepping back to take care of himself.

On the same day, the NHL announced its First Line mental health program is expanding to the AHL and ECHL. The timing of these two stories tells us something important: mental health challenges can affect anyone in hockey, at any level, at any time.

I'm no expert in mental health. But in my years around the game, I've seen it all. I've watched players struggle with concussions that changed not just their play, but their entire personalities - their behavior, their outlook, their whole approach to life shifted in ways I couldn't explain. I've seen teammates reach out for help and find their way through dark times. I've also watched others suffer in silence, carrying burdens they didn't need to bear alone.

But it's not just concussions. In today's world, the pressures come from everywhere:

• Social media scrutiny where every mistake can be replayed endlessly

• Constant connectivity that never lets players truly disconnect

• Performance expectations from teams, fans, and family

• Financial pressures at every level

• Career uncertainty, especially in the minors

• The weight of every game, every shift, every decision

The game moves fast, but life sometimes moves even faster.

Why This Matters Now 
That's why this expansion of the NHL's mental health program is so crucial. Over 1,000 minor league players will now have access to peer-to-peer mental health education. But more importantly, it sends a message to everyone in hockey: It's okay to ask for help.

Signs Someone Might Be Struggling 
Whether you're a coach, parent, or teammate, watch for:

• Loss of enjoyment in the game

• Changes in sleep or eating habits

• Withdrawal from teammates or friends

• Unusual anxiety about performance

• Dramatic mood swings

• Personality changes

• Increased irritability or sadness

• Different social media behavior or sudden silence

• Loss of interest in activities they used to love

Mental health challenges don't discriminate in hockey. They touch every corner of our game - from youth players dealing with mounting pressure and expectations, to junior players living away from home for the first time. We see it in college athletes trying to balance sports and academics, and in minor league players fighting for their dreams. It affects NHL players under the constant spotlight, coaches at every level making tough decisions, officials facing endless criticism, parents watching their kids struggle, and even the support staff working behind the scenes. No one in hockey is immune, and that's why having these conversations matters so much.

A Culture Shift 
The old mentality of "tough it out" isn't just outdated – it's dangerous. Mental health is just as important as physical health. We wouldn't expect a player to skate on a broken ankle. Why do we expect people to suffer in silence with mental health challenges?

Crawford's words really hit home: "I have always expected that the players give 100 percent effort to the team, and I now realize that because I am not able to give the same commitment, effort, and focus, I must step away."

Sometimes the bravest thing isn't playing through pain – it's admitting when you need support.

Moving Forward 
The game is changing. Players today face pressures we never imagined when I first started in hockey. Social media never sleeps. Every mistake lives forever online. The expectations are higher than ever.

But maybe that's why this is the perfect time for change. When Marc Crawford can step away from a first-place team to focus on his mental health, it shows everyone in hockey that it's okay to put yourself first sometimes.

The First Line program isn't just about helping players cope – it's about changing the culture of hockey. It's about creating an environment where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Stay well,

Mike

The Hockey Rundown 

Let's break down what's happening across the leagues:

NCAA

Atlantic Hockey 
Holy Cross's Thomas Gale continues to be a wall in net, recording 18 saves and maintaining a stellar .922 save percentage despite a tough 3-1 loss to Long Island that snapped their four-game win streak. Meanwhile, Army's freshman sensation JJ Cataldo (league-best 1.97 GAA) is learning the ups and downs of college hockey, currently riding a six-game rough patch. That's college hockey – even the best goalies face adversity as they adjust to the increased competition and pressure at this level.

Big Ten 
Michigan State and Penn State players earned Three Stars accolades this week, putting both programs in the spotlight as teams to watch heading into the crucial latter half of the season.

CCHA 
Northern Michigan found their next star in Ryan Duguay, who lit up Minnesota State with a hat trick to earn CCHA Rookie of the Week.

In bigger news, legendary Ferris State coach Bob Daniels announced his retirement – marking the end of an era for a respected figure who's influenced countless players throughout the CCHA.

ECAC Hockey 
The future looks bright in the ECAC with freshmen dominating the weekly awards:

• Yale's Aaron Bell: Forward of the Week after notching a hat trick against Northeastern and scoring the overtime winner versus Robert Morris

• Quinnipiac's Aaron Schwartz: Rookie of the Week (Florida native putting up 2 goals, 3 assists, including a game-winner against Princeton)

• Colgate's Michael Newire: Defender of the Week (2 goals and an impressive +3 rating against LIU)

• Harvard's Mitchell Sherot: Goaltender of the Week (The Vermont native stopped 26 shots, allowing just one goal for a .963 save percentage against Brown)

Hockey East 
Maine (24 points) and Boston University (23 points) are locked in a tight battle for first place. Meanwhile, four Hockey East players are finalists for the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award – recognizing those who excel not just in hockey, but in character and community involvement.

Maine's momentum continues as Adriana van de Leest earned Co-Player of the Week honors, helping keep the Black Bears atop the standings.

NCHC 
The NCHC flexes its muscles with six teams ranked in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls, showcasing why it's consistently one of college hockey's powerhouse conferences. This week's standouts:

• Klayton Knapp (Minnesota Duluth): Rookie of the Week after backstopping the Bulldogs to a sweep of St. Cloud State

• Simon Latkoczy (Omaha): Goaltender of the Week

• Zeev Buium (Denver): Defenseman of the Week

• Brady Risk (Omaha): Forward of the Week

CHL

OHL 
The 20-team league (17 in Ontario, 3 in the U.S.) sees significant ownership news as Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman and family take over the Brantford Bulldogs, potentially bringing NHL-level resources and expertise to the franchise.

On the ice, spectacular performances from:

• Ilya Protas: Hat trick for the Spitfires

• Lev Katzin: Rookie of the Week

• Easton Rye: Goaltender of the Week

• Kocha Delic: Cogeco OHL Player of the Week

WHL 
Huge milestone in Medicine Hat as coach Willie Desjardins notched his 500th career WHL victory!

Other major headlines:

• 66 WHL players named to NHL Central Scouting's 2025 Midterm Rankings, highlighting the league's deep talent pool

• Trade deadline saw significant moves, with Seattle Thunderbirds (U.S. Division), Kamloops Blazers (B.C. Division), and Winnipeg Ice (East Division) emerging as big winners

• Kelowna Rockets make a coaching change, parting ways with Kris Mallette

Other Junior Leagues

BCHL 
The BCHL Road Show is hitting the road to connect directly with players and families. This isn't just another hockey event – it's a chance to learn firsthand about one of Canada's premier development leagues, their programs, and how players can take their next step in hockey. For anyone considering the BCHL path, this is invaluable face time with league representatives.

NAHL 
Big opportunities ahead as the NAHL announces upcoming combines – these are crucial showcases where players can earn spots on NAHL teams. The timing is especially interesting given recent NCAA rulings on CHL player eligibility.

MJHL 
The league's strength is on full display as the Pistons, Flyers, Terriers, and Kings all earned spots in the CJHL rankings. This recognition isn't just about bragging rights – it shows the MJHL's growing reputation as a serious development league in Canadian junior hockey.

That’s all for now! Hope you enjoyed it.

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Thank you!

Mike