Myles Stoesz on Junior Hockey's Dark Side: Fighting, Concussions, and Mental Health
For me, it sucked the fun out of the game and when the only time they'd want you to play is when there was a big, tough guy on the other side...
What happens when the pressure to fight in junior hockey leaves lasting scars? In this gripping episode of 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back', host Brady Leavold sits down with Myles Stoesz, a former junior hockey player who knows all too well the toll that fighting can take. Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2005, Stoesz was thrust into a world where brawls were a ticket to ice time and respect. But what did it cost him?
Stoesz opens up about his transformation from a happy-go-lucky kid to someone who had to fight his own teammates to gain standing. He shares candidly about the mental health struggles and concussions that plagued him throughout his career. The conversation goes beyond personal anecdotes, touching on the broader issues of mental health in hockey, the lack of support for players after retirement, and the lingering impact of violence on former athletes.
This episode doesn't just pull back the curtain on junior hockey; it raises critical questions about how the sport can better protect its players. If you're interested in the raw, unfiltered realities of life on and off the ice, this episode is a must-listen.