A former NFLer turned college coach who is normally known for his high-octane energy, pizzazz and general positive approach on the gridiron and off, turned down the volume while discussing mental health at the Minnesota Wild's second-annual Hockey Talks program.
"We sometimes hide behind our titles and the job, and we don't want to deal with the things that come after that or be judged," Fleck explained. "But I think it's important for your platform to be real. Whether somebody wants to judge that or criticize that, there's so many more than the critics. And that's not who it's for. It's for the people who really need to hear that you've done it, you've been through it. That you're a human being.
"I think so many times in sports we put people, professional athletes or coaches, above others. That's not how it is. I'm a husband, I'm a father. I'm a coach. I'm a teacher. I'm an educator. I'm a person. I'm not just a football coach."
Hockey Talks is a program that was inspired by Vancouver Canucks forward Rick Rypien, who tragically lost his battle with mental health issues in 2011. Minnesota is one of several NHL teams that are encouraging conversations about mental health and are sharing support and information from leading experts in the hopes of alleviating the misconceptions and stigma associated with mental illness.
In addition to the candid pregame conversation, proceeds from the Hockey Talks ticket package benefitted The Ranch Teammates For Life, a wellness center in Sauk Centre built in 2020 in honor of Miracle on Ice member Mark Pavelich who struggled with mental illness before losing that battle. The Ranch caters love specifically to hockey players, veterans, first responders, and family members to build up those who suffer from mental illness.
"There's such a stigma to mental health," The Ranch Director Ronn Tomassoni stated. "And this, by the awareness and bringing it out with these tough macho sports, there's so many people that are struggling in walks of life. Just because you're a tough, hard-nosed hockey player doesn't mean you can't have mental health issues."
Fleck has been battling that 'tough athlete' mentality since his own days as a pro, and as leader of the regime at the U. He encourages his players by sharing his own personal experiences and by holding weekly check-in meetings with his players to discuss how they are doing off the field.
Those measures of success are always greater than the wins and losses anyway.
"It's hard being vulnerable," Fleck concluded. "That's why a lot of people don't want to share, because it's hard. But a lot of things are really hard. And the things that are really hard are really worth it. Those are the things that make the biggest difference."
