Quote:
Originally Posted by IgiTang
Sorry if I sound insensitive, but I have a couple of issues with this and none being the overall spirit of the program...
First off, is this designed for the players who make tons of money and are.. In less words, stupid with their money?
And two, is $3m a bit of a laughable amount and simply a gesture by the league pretending to take this and associated problems seriously?
It really is a serious joke...
What this league needs is mandatory FA sessions and personal mental health checks that are more frequent than what is in place now, and by unbiased professionals.
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I think the spirit of this program is great and this pilot project to be investigated in good faith with sincere intentions. Having said that, I agree with IgiTang...you pretty much nailed it. NHL players are adults and human beings and just so happen to be in a fortunate situation of being a pro athlete with the abilities that allow many of them to be paid a ridiculous amount of salary to play a game as a pro athlete. Pro athletes transition as a player to retirement or simply being replaced by a better performer early in their career, is no different than any one who isn't a pro athlete working in a career and properly preparing financially for retirement.
I think the trouble of transition with many of these players and the whole idea of this program is a response that caters to the lack of maturity of 'some' of these guys as adults while playing. The problem with life management/financial management transition reflects that. Not all players experience this problem of course, but the amount of money that clubs are dishing out now for players as compared to say 15-20 years ago (or later) is unbelievable. No wonder some of these guys have issues after they've transitioned away, especially with the amount of money they've made from playing. From time to time, I play recreational hockey with a few ex pros and NHLers here in Calgary and those guys seem to find good careers and a great life after their hockey careers are over.