The Edmonton Oilers hired George Mumford to be around the team this year and in the playoffs, a legendary Sports Psychologist who has worked with legends like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and more.
Mumford was brought in by the Oilers at the beginning of this season, and has been present and available to the team most of this season, and seemingly full time in the playoffs. Darnell Nurse specifically commented that Mumford has done wonders for himself, sharing new perspectives and pushing players to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Mumford was actually on the ice with the team after clinching their berth to the Stanley Cup Final, noticeably hugging it out with goaltender Stuart Skinner. For Skinner and Nurse, two players that have greatly struggled at times this year and have been able to bounce back, it seems like Mumford has worked wonders.
Mental toughness is a real asset to have for teams making deep runs into the playoffs. It comes in many forms and different from each challenge that a team and player faces in the playoffs, but more than ever this year, the Oilers have been able to execute their best game with confidence on the biggest stages. It seems that in their calm coach Knoblauch, matured superstars, and best depth players this core has seen, the Oilers are a much more mentally tough team this year - with credit to George Mumford.
