Hockey Player Victor Hedman Talks About Mental Health

May 5, 2026, 19:44
CanadaSports

Introduction

Victor Hedman is the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He did not play at the end of the 2025-26 season because he needed help with his mental health.

Main Body

Victor is 35 years old and from Sweden. He played only 33 games this year. This is the lowest number in his career. He had a bad elbow and needed a doctor in December. In May, Victor spoke to the news. He said he needed to feel better in his mind. He wanted to be a good leader and a good father. He said many hockey players have these problems. Victor saw a therapist. The therapist did not know about hockey. This helped Victor think about his life, not just his job. His boss, Julien BriseBois, said Victor is very brave.

Conclusion

Victor feels better now. He wants to play again in the 2026-27 season.

Learning

🕒 Talking about the Past

To reach A2, you must know how to describe things that already happened. Look at these patterns from the text:

The 'Action' Word (Past Simple)

  • Play →\rightarrow Played
  • Speak →\rightarrow Spoke
  • Want →\rightarrow Wanted

The 'No' Word (Negative) When we say something did NOT happen, we use did not + base word:

  • He did not play (Not "did not played")

The 'State' Word (Was/Were) We use this for age, feelings, or locations:

  • Victor is 35 (Now)
  • Victor was brave (Then)

Quick Guide: Action →\rightarrow add -ed Negative →\rightarrow use did not

Vocabulary Learning

captain
a person who leads a group
Example:The captain of the team gave a speech.
season
a period of the year
Example:We will play in the next season.
mental
relating to the mind
Example:She has mental health issues.
health
the state of being free from illness
Example:Good health is important.
Sweden
a country in Europe
Example:He is from Sweden.
games
matches of sport
Example:He played 33 games.
career
a long‑term job path
Example:Her career is successful.
elbow
part of the arm
Example:He hurt his elbow.
doctor
a medical professional
Example:She saw a doctor.
news
information about events
Example:He spoke to the news.
better
more improved
Example:She feels better.
mind
the part of a person that thinks
Example:He has a clear mind.
leader
a person who leads
Example:He is a good leader.
father
a male parent
Example:He is a father.
problems
difficulties
Example:They have many problems.
therapist
a professional who helps with mental health
Example:She met a therapist.
job
work
Example:He has a job.
boss
the person who manages
Example:His boss is kind.
brave
courageous
Example:He is brave.
play
to participate in a sport
Example:He wants to play again.