Calgary Flame Reveals Why He Went Ghost From The NHL For One Year

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Skyler Walker
August 10, 2023 (11:56)

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Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington made headlines by revealing the personal reasons behind his decision to sit out the entire 2022-23 season.

In a candid interview with Hockeynews.se, Kylington shared how ongoing family issues led to his mental health struggles, a burden he tried to conceal.

"It was a challenging year for me personally. Things that been going on in my family for a long time and it's been escalating for the worse. I've been suffering from mental health problems and been handling it like a lot of other people do, swept it under the rug and put the lid on. For me, that resulted in mental illness and it got really bad for me. The way I took care of my problems made me feel really bad." Kylington said.

Now, as he prepares to rejoin the team for training camp and the upcoming 2023-24 season, Kylington expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the support he's received from both management and teammates.

"Fantastic, absolutely fantastic. I feel great and it's fun to get started and I'm really looking forward to a new season. I've only felt commitment from the management in Calgary and my teammates and that helps for sure. It will be fun to get back to my everyday life. I have missed it very much."

After a productive 2021-22 season, Kylington's return promises to be a significant asset to the Flames' blue line.