Rick Westhead's new book, We Breed Lions, has an important message for hockey
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The Province Hockey
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In his new book, 'We Breed Lions', Rick Westhead explores the dark underbelly of junior hockey in Canada, shedding light on systemic issues that affect young players. Westhead draws from a wealth of interviews and research to illustrate how a culture of silence and aggression can impact not just the athletes' careers, but their personal lives as well. He highlights the stories of several players, including notable figures who have faced tremendous challenges due to the pressures of the sport.
Through heart-wrenching narratives, Westhead uncovers the troubling realities that exist within junior hockey leagues. He emphasizes the need for reform, advocating for changes that prioritize the mental and physical well-being of players. His insights aim to spark necessary conversations among coaches, parents, and the hockey community as a whole, urging them to take responsibility for the welfare of young athletes.
The book serves as a call to action for those involved in the sport, reminding them that the legacy of hockey should be about nurturing talent rather than exploiting it. By focusing on the welfare of players like those mentioned, Westhead challenges everyone in the hockey ecosystem to rethink their approach and to foster a culture that breeds not just lions, but well-rounded individuals prepared for life both on and off the ice.
Through heart-wrenching narratives, Westhead uncovers the troubling realities that exist within junior hockey leagues. He emphasizes the need for reform, advocating for changes that prioritize the mental and physical well-being of players. His insights aim to spark necessary conversations among coaches, parents, and the hockey community as a whole, urging them to take responsibility for the welfare of young athletes.
The book serves as a call to action for those involved in the sport, reminding them that the legacy of hockey should be about nurturing talent rather than exploiting it. By focusing on the welfare of players like those mentioned, Westhead challenges everyone in the hockey ecosystem to rethink their approach and to foster a culture that breeds not just lions, but well-rounded individuals prepared for life both on and off the ice.