Former Oilers forward reveals dark thoughts in post-NHL life.

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Ryan Hall
April 1, 2023 (10:29)

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Ales Hemsky was a household name back in the 2000s for the Oilers and three other NHL organizations. The bulk of Hemsky's career was spent with the Oilers and he was a main point-getter for the team especially in 2005 and 2006 when he reached 77 points.

however, as his years in the NHL continued his effectiveness and health declined and he finished his career with the Montreal Canadiens and only
played seven games in 2017-2018.

During his post-NHL career years, Hemsky revealed that he had some dark thoughts and some major issues with mental health especially depression.

«At 35, the age when I had retired but wanted to keep playing, I was just aimlessly changing diapers and refusing to accept that hockey was over. When my son cried, I reacted with total irritation and anger toward my own child,» recalled Ales Hemsky.

"I saw nothing but emptiness everywhere. I may have made good money during my career, but what good is that if I lost something I love? What made me who I am? It seemed to me that I had lost the meaning of life even though I had a wonderful wife and son at home. I met probably all the conditions of depression, I really thought that I was not normal. At that time, I thought that I would end it all.»

"No one should be put in such a situation. If so, they should definitely tell someone about it. Find at least one person to whom you can tell that you have a problem. You don't even have to tell him everything in detail. I myself know how difficult it is. I've also always kept everything to myself.»

As I can't speak for Mr. Hemsky, I can only imagine how tough it was to transition to a post-NHL life where you have to accept that your body can no longer play the game you love and then it comes to a point where all good things come to an end.

We wish Mr. Hemsky all the best and hope that he can continue to improve from his depression and get out of it.