Hockey and Mental Health: Former NHL player Clint Malarchuk speaks in Hermantown

This week, the hockey community will gather to honor his memory and raise awareness of the athlete’s mental health.

Charity golf will be held on Monday at Biwabik’s Giants Ridge. Meanwhile, on Sunday at Hermantown High School, former NHL player Clint Malarchuk led a performance on mental health.

Community members, hockey players and coaches attended the event, including former College of St. Scholastica (CSS) hockey coach Mark Wick, who helped organize it.

Malarchuk survived a life-threatening injury as a goalkeeper for the Buffalo Sabers in 1989 when his carotid artery broke with a skate. He then struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After surviving a suicide attempt in 2008, Malarchuk began using his voice to help with the shoes.

“I am very, very grateful that I survived and Paranin,” Malarchuk said before Sunday’s presentation. “I don’t want anyone to suffer in the darkness and silence I did because of the stigma, and there is no shame or guilt involved.”

Clint spent the entire evening struggling with his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression, and his love of hockey.

Proceeds from Monday’s golf trip will be directed to The Ranch: Teammates for Life in the future. The non-profit, founded by Pavelich, helps athletes and veterans struggling with mental health.