At the recent Olympics, Swedish NHL goaltender Linus Ullmark spoke candidly about his battles with mental health, which kept him off the ice for a significant period. He revealed that he sought professional help to cope with his issues. Ullmark also shared the importance of his connection with fellow player Victor Hedman, who provided him with crucial emotional support during this challenging time.

Ullmark reached out to Hedman despite initially hesitating to disturb him due to his own family commitments. However, Hedman's encouragement to call him proved significant for Ullmark, who expressed that it felt strange yet necessary to open up about his feelings. He credited Hedman with helping him navigate through his struggles, illustrating the value of camaraderie and support among athletes, especially concerning mental health, which remains a sensitive and often stigmatized topic, especially among men.

The dialogue around men's mental health in sports is crucial, as figures like Ullmark risk breaking the stigma surrounding the issue. Ulmark's public sharing of his experiences and Hedman's support can inspire other athletes to be open about their struggles, potentially leading to greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues in athletic communities. The incident underscores the need for ongoing discourse and support networks within sports.