Program helps plan for life after hockey
In putting together this series on "When the cheering stops," we asked many players and ex-players why it can be so difficult to move on after they retire, and whether the NHL and/or NHLPA should do more to help.
We received a variety of answers, and one of the best came from Jamal Mayers, who played in the league from 1996-2013 and is now a hockey analyst for Comcast SportsNet.
"The PA's in a difficult position," Mayers said. "What they end up doing is they worry about the players that are current, and I understand that. But I think there's a way - and they're working on it - to help prepare guys while they're playing for that next step when they're not.
"That way when the guys are done they don't feel like they're just left there."
After seeing far too many players die at young ages, including ex-Hawk Steve Montador, Wade Belak, Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard, the NHLPA launched its Core Development Program in October. The program was put in place to help change the approach that players should focus only on their hockey career.
"There's been a shift over the years," said Mathieu Schmeider, a former player who is now the special assistant to the NHLPA executive director. "The league definitely recognizes it, but clubs also recognize that if you are doing things to challenge yourself - to better yourself outside the game of hockey - it ends up benefiting you as a player. You also start to relieve some of the stresses."
The CDP aims to help players complete their education, figure out financial goals, network, and to "create strong philanthropic, business and career foundations."
Schmeider said the PA is doing its best to make players aware of the program so they take advantage of it. It's clear they have a ways to go.
"I know there is something like that, but probably lots of guys don't know much about it," said Blackhawks veteran Marian Hossa.
Mayers implored current players to reach out and make contacts, saying it "only takes once a month."
"Collect some business cards," Mayers said. "Reach out to people. Send them a quick email.
"Go have lunch with people, whether it's finance or the housing market or architecture or whatever you happen to have an interest in - keep in touch with these people that are fans because once you're done they might not be returning your calls."
Said former Blackhawks player Troy Murray and current radio color analyst: "You have to find something that occupies your time and something that you're passionate about (in retirement). … You've got a lot of years to go. Everybody's got to find their own little niche and understand that life doesn't end - it just starts there."