It's common for fans to think that making it to the National Hockey League (NHL) is solely based on skill, but in reality, it takes years of dedicated hard work and sacrifice to become a professional player. The lifestyle of these athletes is not always seen by the public eye, and it involves countless extra hours of training, strict daily nutrition, early morning practices, late-night games, and spending time with teammates.
Professional hockey players have been living this way since they were young, and when they retire from the game, many of them struggle with depression because they don't know what to do without their familiar routine. However, there are exceptions, such as Niklas Hjalmarsson, a three-time Stanley Cup champion who played for the Chicago Blackhawks for the majority of his career before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes, where he spent the final four seasons of his NHL career.
At the end of the 2021 NHL season, Hjalmarsson retired from professional hockey, but only took one season off before returning to the ice to play for HV71 in the SHL. In his 17 games this season, Hjalmarsson recorded three assists, but unfortunately, he recently suffered a concussion after taking a thundering hit.
Despite the rigorous training and lifestyle required to become a professional hockey player, injuries can still occur, and recovery can be difficult. Hjalmarsson's return to the ice after only one season off is a testament to his love and dedication to the game, but his recent injury serves as a reminder that hockey is a physically demanding sport with potential risks for players.
