Former New York Islanders Star Ken Morrow Discusses Health, Hockey, Miracle Gold, and Stanley Cup Victories
In the shadow of the noteworthy Four Nations Face-Off where Team Canada triumphantly beat Team USA, another extraordinary event unfolded almost a day later, a full 45 years ago. That year, Ken Morrow firmly etched his name in history as the lone athlete to have clinched an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup titlistship in the very same year. His career is an envious dream for most athletes. Alongside esteemed New York sports scribe Allan Kreda, Morrow recently delved into his extraordinary career in their collaborative effort, Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey.
Growing up in bustling Toronto, Canada, I've been an avid hockey enthusiast since I was a child. I was obsessed with the nimble puck-handling skills, the breakneck speed with which players dashed up and down the ice, the extraordinary stick-handling abilities, negotiating side lines, and then accurately launching stunning wrist-shots into the top corner – beating even the most accomplished goalkeepers while evading hulking defensemen that seemed reminiscent of Mack Trucks!
Now, as a medical professional and communicator, I find myself awestruck by the health aspects in NHL, a league known for its formidable physical demands. At this elite level, the majority of athletes readily acknowledge that the game encompasses both mental and physical components. Morrow understands this, drawing upon his experiences throughout his career with the Islanders, narrating his triumphs and hurdles, all encapsulated in Kreda's evocative and empathetic storytelling.
The Relentless Grind
Playing in NHL is no picnic. The 82-game regular season, stretching from October to April, is undeniably grueling. Morrow offers a snapshot of the challenge transitioning from the Olympics to the NHL: "Being on the ice every day, practicing and playing games, and traveling – there was a new pressure to perform and win." Suffice it to say, NHL players do not clock eight-hour workdays. Typically, they opt for early morning arrivals at the rink (at 9 or 10 am), engage in breakfast and stretching, then proceed with practice and games, talk to media, savor lunch, go home for a quick nap, return to the rink a few hours before their evening game, warm up, take to the ice at 7 or 8 pm, address the press after the game, shower, catch a flight to the next destination, and finally arrive as late as 2 or 3 am. The cycle repeats for 82 games within a seven-month period (with half the games actually hosted at home).
Four Nations Face-Off where Team Canada defeated Team USA in the championship game, another historic event took place almost to the day, 45 years ago. In 1980, Ken Morrow went down in history as the only athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal and Stanley Cup in the same year. He has led the kind of career that most athletes can only dream of. Along with long-time New York sportswriter Allan Kreda, Morrow recently detailed his storied career in
Today's elite players operate within a meticulously crafted system. Each NHL team enjoys the backing of a skilled horde of professionals: from team chefs and dietitians to athletic trainers, physical and massage therapists, all the way to assistant and head coaches. Routine is the cornerstone of success – a fact that Morrow well understands.
"Structure was paramount in my playing career," reflects the indomitable defenseman. "Most athletes require regularity and discipline."
The Ubiquitous Threat of Injuries
Maintaining peak physical shape is tantamount to success in an NHL career. Unfortunately, injury is an inherent part of the game, as Morrow alludes to: "All hockey players play through injuries." Musculoskeletal injuries top the list of ailments plaguing hockey players. Morrow himself succumbed to a series of knee surgeries (eight in total, four within his first four years with the Islanders), lengthy physical therapy, and rehab, which effectively curtailed his NHL career to ten seasons.
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Morrow acknowledges that "physical therapy might have been a profession I would have liked," due to the extensive time he spent with trainers and therapists.
Medical teams, consisting of orthopedists, internists, and sports psychologists, must diligently assess the latest medical literature, treatment methodologies, and strength and conditioning strategies to help players avoid injury and optimize their overall health.
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Brain injuries, fortunately, are far less common in hockey than concussions. However, head injuries remain a persistent issue in high-speed, contact sports such as hockey. In fact, the sport has the highest incidence of concussions among contact sports[1]. The league and the NHL Players Association are actively addressing this health issue, having introduced the NHL Concussion Program in 1997.
Nowadays, NHL players undergo extensive physical training, often extending their regimen during off-seasons to maintain peak performance. Facilities and team support systems have evolved significantly since the '70s and '80s, when players casually smoked between periods.
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After all, being on the ice is a player's comfort zone. At 68, Morrow still endeavors to stay active, frequently working out, and taking brisk walks for mental relief. A firm believer in moderation, he also acknowledges the importance of regular medical check-ups.
"Being on the ice was my sanctuary," Morrow asserts.
The Global Game
Hockey is a universally popular sport, with the NHL serving as a testament to its multi-cultural appeal. Representing 20 countries, including Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, and Germany, among others, the NHL showcases the international nature of the game.
highest rate of concussion incidence among contact sports. Brain injuries have forced several players into retirement. The league along with the NHL Players Association is taking this health issue seriously, having introduced the NHL Concussion Program in 1997. Numerous high-profile players have experienced concussions including Mike Richter, Pat Lafontaine, Stu Grimson, Nick Kypreos and three-time Stanley Cup and recent Four Nations Champion, Sidney Crosby.
As a physician, hockey fan, and storyteller, it is essential that more pro athletes and writers like Ken Morrow and Allan Kreda share their captivating tales with the world!
[1] Source
Enrichment Data
NHL players confront numerous physical and mental health challenges to maintain their careers and overall well-being. Here are the primary health challenges:
Physical Health Challenges
- Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries and concussions are prevalent among hockey players, impacting their performance and longevity in the sport.
- CTE: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma, which is increasingly linked to ice hockey play.
Mindful practice such as daily meditation, yoga, prayer and gratitude can help us stay in the present. Having a strong support system is also fundamental in maintaining a well-balanced mental and emotional state, particularly for NHL athletes playing high-pressure, high-stakes games amid non-stop media attention and scrutiny, and opinionated fans on social media.
Mental Health Challenges
- Stress and Anxiety: The high-pressure environment in hockey can aggravate mental health concerns, including stress and anxiety.
- Substance Abuse: Some players may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, dealing with the challenges and demands of professional hockey.
- Performance Pressure: The constant pressure to perform at a high level in the highly competitive landscape of the NHL can create mental strain.
To mitigate these challenges, NHL-related organizations and medical teams are actively focusing on improving player support, mental health awareness, and treatment solution strategies.
- In the realm of modern NHL, teams not only rely on skilled players but also a host of professionals, such as chefs, dietitians, athletic trainers, and therapists, to ensure optimal physical and mental well-being.
- Ken Morrow, the lone athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup in the same year (1980), faced numerous physical challenges, including multiple knee surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods, which eventually curtailed his NHL career to ten seasons.
- Adopting a meticulous system and routine is crucial for success in the NHL, as evidenced by Morrow's emphasis on structure and discipline throughout his career.
