Rob Wilton
B.C. Division, Insight, Interviews, WHL

Hockey: not just about physical strength, the Tristen Nielsen story

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

Originally posted on Jan 28, 2021.

Good mental health is an important part of any hockey player’s success on and off the ice. Mental health has always been an issue in the hockey world; however, it is only fairly recently that there has been a bigger focus on this issue and how it impacts the players. Tristen Nielsen of the Vancouver Giants is one player that takes his mental health very seriously. In a recent interview, Nielsen explained how he has coped with events like being traded, losses on the ice, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Being traded:

On October 31st, 2018, the Vancouver Giants acquired Nielsen from the Calgary Hitman. Nielsen, who had grown up in Calgary had to leave his family and friends behind and join a brand-new organization. Looking back at the trade now, Nielsen feels it was one of the best outcomes that could have happened.

“I was staying at home in Calgary and overstressing myself out. I just felt like I needed to get away. Getting traded matured me so much. Moving away and having to grow up while taking care of myself really prepared me for the real world. I am very thankful for the trade.” Playing in your home city is always a difficult task. Although Nielsen is from Fort St John, he grew up in Calgary which provided additional pressure as the hometown kid. You want to do well for your local community and sometimes the pressure gets too high. Being traded is not necessarily a bad thing as Nielsen went from 35 points in 2017 to 65 in 2019. The move not only improved Nielsen on the ice but improved his overall mental health.

Game 7 of the WHL Final:

In 2018-2019, the Vancouver Giants came within one game of the Memorial Cup when they fell 3-2 in OT against Prince Albert in Game 7 of the WHL Final. This was a heartbreaking loss. “It was shocking. I remember losing and being in the dressing room. I have never seen so many guys care so much and be so hurt from losing that game. For the 20-year-olds, it was their last game and last shot at the Memorial Cup, so it was tougher on them. At the end of the day, it was a heck of a way to go out. That team was awesome, and we were all so close. That was the best year of hockey for me.”

Although it was difficult for Nielsen to deal with the disappointing loss, he was able to draw on the experience as a motivator to strive for more in the next season. “I wanted to be one of those guys that could help the team move forward and maybe be lucky enough to go all the way.”

Using the loss as motivation:

Instead of dwelling and sulking, Nielsen used that pain he felt from the Game 7 loss to become a leader on and off the ice. In the 2019-2020 season, he had a career year with 30 goals and 65 points to lead the Giants in scoring. His 30 goals landed him in the top 20 goal scorers across the entire WHL. This commitment and drive lead to Nielsen winning some year-end awards with the Giants. He won the Most Improved Player Award, White Spot Humanitarian of the Year Award, and the Gordie Howe Top Scorer Award. Using the mental health techniques, he had been taught, Nielsen was able to overcome the pain for the Game 7 loss and translate that into a very successful season.

COVID-19:

On March 7th, 2020, The Vancouver Giants played their last game before the season shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Giants were preparing to take on Victoria in the playoffs and looking to make their second straight WHL final. With the pandemic worsening and leagues around the world shutting down, the WHL decided to officially shut down their season on March 23rd, 2020.

“When it first happened, it was not that bad because we all had the hope of finishing the season. The real crappy part about it was that we never got the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone. I know that it was hard not being able to say goodbye and good luck to the 20-year-olds. They didn’t know at the time that it was the last game, which I think, took a lot out of those older guys. We had really high expectations going into the playoffs and then to have it crash down so quickly. It felt like it was not real. The season was canceled, and I would never be a part of that team for another game. That was the hardest part.”

The Long Pause:

During the pause, Nielsen has remained optimistic and has ensured his mental state does not get too low. “I am big on a distraction mechanism so when I am sitting at home not doing anything, I start to overthink. That is when all the thoughts that I am not going to get the chance now or my hockey career is over, start to occupy my thoughts. When this happens, I try to get out and do something. Whether that is going on a walk with my dad or going to watch a movie. Right now, I am in Vancouver so now I am hanging out with my little billet brothers.”

Finding a distraction to get you out of a negative headspace is a great technique. This allows you to reset and focus on positives rather than negatives. Staying positive is huge right now, especially as many struggle with depression as well as anxiety due to what feels like the never-ending pandemic.

Hope For a 2020-2021 Season:

Now almost a year later, we are still waiting for the date when the WHL will start their 24-game schedule. The league has seen their three proposed dates pushed back, but through everything, Nielsen has stayed focused on the potential upcoming season and ensuring his thoughts remain positive.

“This has been the most mentally draining offseason that I have ever had. I think a lot of people would agree. It is hard because your whole training program is different. We have had to restart our workout cycle so many times and it’s mind-boggling. It is tough to explain. There are some days where I have so much hope the season is starting. I go to the gym and have a great practice. Then the next day you have a bad practice and I start to ask myself if the season is worth it. You just don’t know. It is that unknown that has really stuck with people and made it hard; for kids especially.

“I could not imagine being a 16-year-old battling their emotions right now. Or think of the 16 and 17-year-olds that are coming in as undrafted prospects and do not get the chance to go camping this year. It is crazy to think some people will get skipped out on.”

The pandemic has affected everyone but having proper techniques such as the ones that Nielsen uses to help maintain good mental health can help. These young players are teenagers playing the game they love. They are not adults who have gone through life and developed coping mechanisms. It is really important that they develop strategies to look after their mental health.

Seeking help when needed:

During this difficult time, Nielsen has been hanging out with his billet family. Sarah Wiebe and her family have provided a great distraction and positive environment so that Nielsen can thrive. “They have been awesome. Sarah has completed an actual life coach course so she wants to pursue it as a career. I am very fortunate to have her because she is a reliable source that I can talk to.”

Nielsen has also been working with Bob Wilke and the ‘I Got Mind’ program. This program focuses on developing strategies to keep your mental health strong. They also provide ongoing support to ensure their clients always have an outlet.

“I have worked with Bob for four years now. I have done a lot of his work and he has helped through the good times and the rough times. Also, I had a school counselor named Matt Brown and he was really helpful too. They always say not to get someone who is too close to you because then other factors come into consideration. We were on the lookout for another guy who did not know me well enough and could give me other coping strategies. Someone who might have a different point of view. My agent got me in contact with Bob and since then he has been awesome. He came to my graduation. He is one of those guys that are there for everyone.”

Vancouver Giants commitment to their players:

The Giants have also stepped up to provide players with that outlet needed to work and develop healthy techniques. “Our team has done a really good job of staying in touch with zoom calls. Everyone has a PlayStation or Xbox nowadays so you just get on for an hour or however long it may be. This creates little memories. The memories you make talking to guys outside the rink also builds chemistry. You get to know them better and understand how they feel. Then when you come into the rink, you know how to talk to them or be there for them with whatever they need. For me, our team has done a terrific job telling us about the resources that are there for us.”

The upcoming season:

Although the WHL has announced its plan to play a 24-game season, no date has been provided. This makes it very difficult for 20-year-old players like Nielsen because they do not know if they will get another opportunity to play.

(Photo Credit- Rik Fedyck)

“I get more and more scared the season might not happen. If that is the case, then what do I do next year? It is a little nerve-racking, but I am also staying positive because I am a believer that we will play. I just do not want my heart to get broken by not playing. I have to keep an even keel through it all. We have a good chance of being a good team this year. I think we are going to have some pretty good young guys who are going to step up. I’m going to have a little bit of competition for leading goal scorer with Shepard and Sourdif. If I am back, I will definitely have some competition.”

Mental health affects us all:

The work Nielsen has put in to maintain his good mental health is commendable. Life is full of stressors, so using techniques to deal with them is key to moving forward and being successful. As for Nielsen, he is an excellent example of an athlete successfully dealing with their mental health. Acknowledging its importance and finding ways to address issues and seeking help when it is needed is key.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available from the following organizations:

HeadsUpGuys- https://headsupguys.org/

Wiebe Wellness- https://wiebewellness.ca/

I Got Mind- https://igotmind.ca/

Manifest- https://manifest.me/

Kids Help Phone- https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare- https://cascadiabhc.org/

Portland Mental Health and Wellness- https://www.portlandmh.com/

Here to Help- https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/get-help

Alberta Wide- https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=6810&serviceAtFacilityID=1047134

Manitoba Mental Health- https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/crisis.html

Saskatchewan Mental Health- https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/mental-health-and-addictions-support-services/mental-health-support/mental-health-services