Start Listening: Hellebuyck’s Take on Ullmark’s Leave
Sometimes hockey reminds you that the game isn’t just about wins, losses, or highlight reels. Sometimes it’s about being human. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck gave us that reminder recently, speaking up about Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark, who’s been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Social Media Blew Up a Story That Was Speculation
Ullmark had to take a personal leave from the team, and as often happens in the age of social media, the story got blown way out of proportion. Rumours started flying, speculation ran wild, and before long, the conversation wasn’t about support—it was about judgment.
Hellebuyck saw it for what it was. “Sadly, everyone around him blew up the story and really just started speculating and making stuff up,” he said. “They may have heard something here, heard something there, but really created a story and kind of attacked the guy.”
He kept it simple and honest: mental health isn’t a storyline. You don’t help someone by guessing, gossiping, or piling on. You help by talking to them, by listening, and by understanding that not every personal situation needs to be public fodder.
Sometimes, It’s Simple: Talk Is Right, Judgment Is Wrong
“I don’t know how many people just sat down and tried to talk to him,” Hellebuyck said. “That’s the whole point of mental health—just sit down and listen. Don’t speculate, don’t attack. Things grow that shouldn’t.”
It’s the kind of comment that makes you stop scrolling for a second. Hockey is fast-paced, physical, and competitive. But it’s also about people. And the way we talk about players when they’re vulnerable matters. Hellebuyck isn’t just supporting a fellow goalie—he’s reminding all of us that compassion is still part of the game, even off the ice.
Ullmark’s Story Is Important, But Shouldn’t Be Sensationalized
Ullmark’s story doesn’t need to be sensationalized to be important. And thanks to voices like Hellebuyck’s, maybe more of us will remember that before we click “share” or add our own two cents. Listening first, speculating later—or not at all—should be the rule.
Because at the end of the day, it’s about the person behind the mask.