

He needs the safety and security of a team that makes him feel like he is part of the family with teaching, challenging, and training integrated into life. Transitions will be particularly stressful, as they rekindle the performance anxiety rooted by these abusive experiences. This trauma will manifest itself emotionally, mentally and physiologically in myriad ways, including anxiety, self doubt and low self esteem. And so, they are vulnerable to abusive authority figures and the deep trauma this can create. While young players are getting more and more skilled, they are not given protection and support to develop their concomitant life skills. These young men leave home as teenagers and sacrifice the security, protection and guidance of their parents in their most vulnerable years.
Metoo task coach pro#
Pro teams often have 10 or more players under age 24. But – as the game is getting younger – the coaches are put in charge of the development of vulnerable young men. It is, of course, ultimately to win and to fill seats for the fans and owners. Lost in all of this is the purpose of a hockey coach. In both cases, these narcissists prey upon those who are vulnerable and dependent on them, lured in by the seductive promise of developing their talent. I believe the psychological profile that underlies these coaches’ behavior probably runs very similar to that of Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, and many others who have abused their influence and outsized authority to dehumanize others. This is yet another societal example of authoritarian privilege, narcissism and power over weaker, dependent groups that manifests as abuse, cruelty and dehumanization.

Does it surprise you to learn that Bill Peters was Mike Babcock’s assistant with the Detroit Red Wings, just prior to their massive decline? What are we witnessing? Hockey legend Chris Chelios has confirmed similar reports of life with Babcock. Since this has gone public, Franzen has stated “(Babcock) is the worst person I’ve ever met “. According to players close to Franzen, Babcock “broke him“ and in fact caused a nervous breakdown by choosing to go after him in his weakened state. The man who was affectionately called “The Mule“was fighting concussions at the time and his game had slipped. Recently it was revealed that Johan Franzen suffered the public humiliation that only Babcock can deliver, during a game on a bench in front of his teammates. But more often, treatment of players and of veterans like Mike Modano, and Jason Spezza, were listed as reasons for his players discomfort. With disdain, contempt, and cruelty taking many forms, he goes after these players, all in the name of improved performance.īabcock’s players hated playing for him, often citing hockey-related reasons like ice time and harsh media comments. This is a pattern with Babcock, who chooses favorites in the locker room and then pits them against those players he chooses to marginalize and dehumanize. His cruel and abusive treatment finally turned talented players into a losing team.īabcock bullied and humiliated a then 18-year-old rookie, Mitch Marner, telling him to “make a list of your laziest teammates “, which Babcock then would share with the players. Once the worst kept secret in the NHL, now the truth comes out: Players under Babcock increasingly hated playing for him. Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is fired – ostensibly because of a poor start to the season and a 5 game losing streak. That was the final straw in a career known for kicking and punching players, according to reports from many players in positions to know, including Rod Brind’Amour, former player and highly respected NHL coach. And worse, we’re starting to see the impact of this degradation in a sport much revered for its moral values.Ĭalgary Flames head coach Bill Peters is fired for using the N-word toward player AkimAliu because he didn’t like the players choice of music. But now we’re learning that humiliation, cruelty and abuse have made their way into the sport as well. In fact, it’s an expected part of the game.
Metoo task coach professional#
Brutality is familiar territory in professional hockey.
