Jon "Nasty" Mirasty and Zenon Konopka, two of the toughest men to ever play professionally, offer their contrasting opinions on the physical toll the game took on their bodies. Investigative journalist Rick Westhead and NHL super-agent Allan Walsh reflect on their long journeys inside and outside hockey, their vital roles as agents of change, and the opportunity to make the game better. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, discusses ongoing research into brain injuries, CTE, and the safety of playing contact sports. Steffany Hanlen, the first woman to become an NHL power skating and strength coach, provides insight into youth hockey and gives essential advice to any minor hockey parent. Finally, Andrew Long recounts the horrific event that changed his life forever and forced him out of the limelight and into the shadows.
After exposing the dark underbelly of junior hockey in his memoir, Conflicted Scars, Justin Davis is now determined to find a path forward by telling the stories of others. Breaking the Ice is an indispensable guide to parents of hockey hopefuls and players climbing the ranks of professional hockey.
In Breaking the Ice, Justin Davis argues that hockey isn't broken - but it is as complex as real life. This book gathers insight from enforcers, players, coaches, agents, and journalists about what the game is and what it could be.
Justin Davis is a former educator, professional hockey player, and author of the bestselling memoir Conflicted Scars. After being drafted by the Washington Capitals, leading the 1999 Memorial Cup in scoring, and hoisting the trophy with the Ottawa 67's, Justin graduated from Western University as the school's all-time points leader. He is a player mentor and chaplain in the OHL and lives in Guelph, ON, with his wife, Jessie, and his three kids, Josh, Grace, and Avery.
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• SHOWCASING MANY VOICES: Justin Davis spoke with people across experiences for this book, including Christopher Nowinski (an American neuroscientist who co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation), Jon Mirasty (a Cree Canadian former professional player), Rick Westhead (a sports columnist and investigative journalist), Zenon Konopka (a former NHL player who played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, and the Buffalo Sabres), Steffany Hanlen (a skate and performance coach and founder of Skating Success Inc. and the CEO of SkateTech Group of Companies), and Allan Walsh (a NHL player manager and former Deputy DA of Los Angeles County).
• TIMELY AND URGENT: This book tackles the sport's most pressing issues - lack of diversity, systemic bullying, sexual abuse scandals, mental and physical health, and the widening gap between grassroots hockey and the elite professional game. Justin Davis investigates the hockey system as a whole, combining sharp reporting with practical advice, making it both an exposé and a guide for parents navigating the hockey system.
• FROM ONE VOICE TO MANY: Justin Davis's Conflicted Scars tackled his own difficult experiences in hockey. Breaking the Ice looks outward and includes voices - including former players, concussion injury specialists, and coaches. The multiple viewpoints allow for a nuanced and essential exploration of hockey. The book calls for accountability from hockey organizations, coaches, and parents to create a better and healthier culture on and off the ice.
