The Story of Robin Lehner

From a second round pick, to mental illness and alcohol addiction, to nomination for the best goalie in the league. This is the story of Robin Lehner.

Robin Lehner, 27, is currently playing for the New York Islanders in the last year of his contract. In April this year he was nominated for the Vezina Trophy. The award is given annually to the goalie voted the best at his position. But his way there was rocky, and still is.

Lehner’s constant battle

March 29, 2018 proved to be a turning point in Lehner’s life. In a game against the Detroit Red Wings he didn’t return after the second period. Lehner had a major panic attack in the locker room and could not return back to the ice. He was mentally and physically battling a lot of things during this time of his life. The team doctors and trainers then sent him home to get away from the rink. When he got home, he did the one thing that was common for him – he drank. And he’s been doing that for a long time before. But it was this night when Robin finally talked to his wife and said that he needed help.

Lehner’s brain was a dark place. A place full of self-medication and suicidal thoughts. A place full of depression, which Lehner increasingly drank away with beer. His lawyer Frank then gave him the last push to go to rehab. Lehner never wanted any help because of his additional problems with alcohol and drugs. But more and more Robin lost control of his own mind. His family and he himself finally encouraged him to accept help and go to rehab. The time in rehabilitation was marked by hallucinations and the constant fight against demons in his mind. Demons which have grown up with him since his difficult childhood.

In rehabilitation, Lehner was diagnosed with bipolar 1 with manic phases and later as ADHD with PTSD and trauma. His mind switched between impulsive decision making without considering the consequences and severe depression. The depression was so strong that Robin didn’t want to practice or play hockey games anymore.

A new chance for Robin

When he got out of rehab, Lehner had many meetings with potential new hockey clubs. This was a tough time, and those in charge often thought he might have a bad influence on the team. But then he got a call from Lou Lamoriello, general manager of the New York Islanders. Robin had two meetings with him in which they talked about life and family. The Islanders wanted to go down the road with Lehner and offered him a deal, which Robin finally accepted.

Last year, Lehner made his story public in an interview with The Athletic. With his story Lehner wants to help other people with the same problems. The whole interview with The Athletic gives very personal insights into the journey he has made.

And what about today? Robin has been playing for the New York Islanders for a year now. He ranks in the NHLs Top-3-goalies in GAA and save percentage, with 6 regular season shutouts. In the 2018-2019 Playoffs he leads the NHL goaltenders in GAA and save percentage. He’s been rock solid for the Islanders in their playoff run so far. Lehner is among the three nominees for the Vezina Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season.

The Story behind the mask

Lehner tells this story on his mask. The mask is named “My Reality” and painted by David Gunnarsson from daveart. It shows Robin’s way through the hell he has been and is also a testament of his journey. On the top the mask describes Robin’s reality before he reached out for help. On the sides you can see the sunrise over the sea, describing the beginning of the new life for Robin and his family. For me personally, Lehner’s story is absolute impressive. What he did achieve – and still does – is unbelievable and requires strength that is hard to imagine. And it is more than impressive that he tells his story publicly and also shows it publicly with his goalie mask to encourage others getting help.

Want to see more goalie stuff? Follow me on Instagram & Twitter

Sources
The Athletic
Ottawa SUN
Lighthouse Hockey
Bleacher Report
USA today