Former Oilers Defenseman Opens Up About Anxiety That Cost Him His Career

During the interview he explained to Jason Gregor that he had trouble eating food prior to his games and he kept his issues to himself and not with his teammates. This crippling form of anxiety prevented him from furthering his career in hockey.

He learned that he realized that his fit with the Oilers was not right after a meeting with Ken Holland who dubbed him a clock killer which wasn't a compliment.

That was the moment that Koekkoek felt there needed to be a change in his life and to help himself with his anxiety.

Koekkoek was drafted in 2012 by the Tampa Bay Lightning as he had a nine-year career in the NHL. He had stops in Chicago, and with the Oilers in 2021-22. He played 186 games, scoring 8 goals with 26 assists for 34 points and was a +1 and 104 penalty minutes.

Since leaving hockey, Koekkoek has made it a goal to help spread the knowledge of anxiety in hockey and pro sports to help other athletes deal with the illness.

He also has become an entrepreneur as he is now the owner of Fulfill Homes Services which does landscaping and is a home improvement. His choice was the right one and it's important that he recognized that he needed to put his mental health first.

Many hockey players head down the wrong path after suffering from anxiety and it can lead to awful consequences.

Oilers fans may see some potential anxiety tomorrow as they will face off against Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway as the St Louis Blues are visiting Rogers Place. Game time will be 10:00pm eastern.