Islanders’ Ken Morrow Talks Health, Hockey, Miracle Gold And Stanley Cups

On the heels of the National Hockey League’s historic Four Nations Face-Off where Team Canada defeated Team USA in the championship game, another historic event took place almost to the day, 45 years ago. In 1980, Ken Morrow went down in history as the only athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal and Stanley Cup in the same year. He has led the kind of career that most athletes can only dream of. Along with long-time New York sportswriter Allan Kreda, Morrow recently detailed his storied career in Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey.

I have been an avid hockey fan since I was a little girl growing up in Toronto, Canada. I was mesmerized by the puck-handling skill, the speed with which players would fly up and down the ice, the uncanny ability to stick-handle the puck, stay on-side, then fire a wrist-shot in the top corner past a highly-skilled goaltender—all the while avoiding bodychecks by large, Mack-truck sized defenseman!

Now, as a practicing physician and medical communicator, I am fascinated by the health aspects within the NHL, perhaps the most physically-demanding of professional sports leagues. At the elite level, most athletes acknowledge that the game is as much mental as it is physical. Morrow understands this. In my interview with the Islanders’ long-time Director of Pro Scouting, Morrow shares his fascinating life of hockey including the many triumphs, as well as hardships and loss, all told through Allan Kreda’s gifted storytelling blended with a high threshold of empathy.

The Grind

Playing in the NHL is not for the faint-hearted. Starting in October and ending in April, the 82-game regular season is nothing short of grueling. In Miracle Gold, Morrow describes the challenges of transitioning from the Olympics to the NHL: “Being on the ice every day, practicing and playing games and traveling—there was a new pressure to play well and to win.” Suffice to say, NHL players do not work nine-to-five hours. They typically arrive at the rink at nine or 10 in the morning, have breakfast, stretch in the gym, practice on the ice, talk to media, have lunch, go home to take a nap, return to the rink a few hours before their evening game, warm up, play at seven or eight in the evening, talk to the press after the game, shower then catch a flight to the next city, arriving as late as two or three at night. Lather, rinse, repeat for 82 games in a seven-month span (perhaps only 40 games as half the games are at home).

Today’s elite players are operating within a well-oiled machine. Each NHL club has an army of skilled professionals guiding each player throughout the season: from a team chef and dietitian to athletic trainers, physical and massage therapists to assistant and head coaches, structure is the name of the game—and something the Morrow knows well.

“Routine was key in my playing career,” reflects the durable defenseman. “Most athletes need to have structure and discipline.”

Health And Injuries Among Hockey Players

Staying in top physical shape is critical for NHL players. Unfortunately, “all hockey players play through injuries,” reflects Morrow. Musculoskeletal injuries are perhaps the most common ailment experienced by hockey players. Morrow sustained eight knee surgeries including four in his first four years with the Islanders, followed by extensive physical therapy (PT) and rehab which limited his NHL career to ten seasons. In fact, Morrow once said, “I think physical therapy might have been a profession I would have liked,” having spent so much time around trainers and PT.

The risk of injury in hockey increases as players become bigger, stronger, faster and wear less protective equipment. Medical teams including orthopedists, internists and sports psychologists must continually review the best available literature, treatment, and strength and conditioning strategies in order to reduce player injury and optimize their health.

Head injuries are sadly not uncommon in a high-speed, contact sport like hockey. In fact, hockey has the highest rate of concussion incidence among contact sports. Brain injuries have forced several players into retirement. The league along with the NHL Players Association is taking this health issue seriously, having introduced the NHL Concussion Program in 1997. Numerous high-profile players have experienced concussions including Mike Richter, Pat Lafontaine, Stu Grimson, Nick Kypreos and three-time Stanley Cup and recent Four Nations Champion, Sidney Crosby.

Grief And Loss

At 6’5”, Don Morrow was described by his son, Ken, as a “gentle giant.” When he spoke, people stopped and listened. A gifted baseball player, the senior Morrow took an interest in hockey and seeing his sons skate in their backyard. In Miracle Gold, the younger Morrow reveals that he owes his hockey career to his father and his family. So it came as a shock when Morrow, at age 19, lost his beloved dad to brain cancer. Don Morrow was only 48 years old. Watching his big, athletic and robust hero deteriorate so quickly was “very hard” on the burgeoning hockey star. Morrow internalized things back then (“just as my dad did”).

Through his research for this book, he uncovered new information about his father and learned valuable lessons about grief. He emphasizes the importance of leaning on family and friends during tough times and taking care of one’s health to manage stress effectively.

Don Morrow’s absence during his son’s significant achievements serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of loss. Despite not being physically present, his father’s memory was a source of strength and inspiration during every game. This personal story resonates with many, including myself, as I too lost my father recently.

The connection between grief and sports extends beyond personal experiences. Many patients I work with have faced trauma and loss, highlighting the universal nature of these challenges. Morrow’s story sheds light on the human side of hockey players and the emotional struggles they face.

In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping public perception. While Morrow may not have experienced the pressures of social media during his playing days, his resilience and focus would have served him well in navigating today’s technology-driven world.

Maintaining focus and mental well-being is crucial, especially for athletes under constant scrutiny. Mindful practices like meditation and having a strong support system can help individuals cope with stress and maintain emotional balance.

The evolution of hockey reflects broader changes in health and wellness. Players now prioritize fitness, healthy eating, and mindfulness to perform at their best. Morrow’s commitment to staying active and leading a balanced lifestyle showcases the importance of taking care of one’s physical and mental health.

Hockey’s global appeal is evident in the diverse backgrounds of NHL players. The international nature of the sport underscores the need for more diverse voices, like Morrow and Kreda, to share their stories and enrich the world of sports storytelling.

As a physician, hockey enthusiast, and advocate for mental health, I applaud Morrow and Kreda for their contributions to the sports narrative. Their stories serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing personal experiences with a global audience.