Robin Lehner's Story

Robin Lehner:

Robin Lehner was the goalie for the New York Islanders. He struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder. When he first realized he was not in a good place mentally he called his goalie coach and said that he did not know if he could play in the upcoming game. His goalie coach told him that they should speak in person. When Lehner arrived at the rink the next morning to warm up he said he was, “Good to go” although he was in fact not good to go. He obviously felt that he was letting his team down if he did not play and played anyways. He began to play in that game and experienced a lot of anxiety. He could barely see and felt pressure in his chest. Once the second period was over he went straight to his trainers office and couldn't even get his gear off before he ultimately broke down and had an anxiety attack. He could not go back on the ice. He went home instead of the hospital to get checked out because of the vast amount of stigma he had seen from the press and social media. He drank large amounts of alcohol and proceeded to say to his wife, “I have to go away.”

Robin Lehner’s Effect:

Lehner had a huge effect on mental health in the NHL. He showed everyone that he too is human and has experienced issues with his mental health. Hockey was once perceived as this tough man's sport in which no one was meant to show fear, weakness, or vulnerability. However, the NHL has come a long way since Lehner spoke out on the issue. Players like Derek Boogard (one of the first cases of mental health in the NHL), Georges Laraque, Rick Rypien, Tyler Motte, Colin Wilson, and Bobby Ryan. Most of these players experienced some amount of stigma when coming out and letting people know about their mental health. With some of them even going so far to the point that they have killed themselves, showing just how serious this situation in a professional sports setting can be. Robin Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2019 and said in his acceptance speech, “I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.” He has been the face of people against the stigma for the NHL for years and will continue to be for a long time. He also said later on, “Long Island fans really saved my life.” He got a Long Island tattoo to show all of his appreciation for all of the people who helped him in Long Island, and continues to call people out for still having astigmatism against him.

Robin Lehner's incredibly moving Masterton Trophy speech:

"I want to thank the New York Islander organization, Lou you've been amazing. Barry Trotz, for thinking about the human first. I've got to respect that. I want to give a shoutout to my agents Don and Craig, you guys have been sticking with me for many years now. And the program, Marlo, Dr. Shaw, Louis, the best program anywhere around. I'm here because of you guys. One that has been with me since the beginning of my journey has been my close friend Frank Muja and his family. All my special teammates, you guys are amazing. I took that first step and got help and that was life changing for me and something that we have got to keep pushing for. End the stigma! I am not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill, but that does not mean mentally weak. Thank you very much, I appreciate it" (Robin Lehner)