NHL
NHL teams are reportedly considering “Fortnite” a distraction. If you don’t know what Fortnite is, it is the biggest video game on the planet right now. According to writer Rick Westhead, some junior players in the OHL have been not allowed to use Fortnite references on Social Media. The game has been viewed as a distraction for players by NHL teams.
An OHL team employee tells me some players have been advised to scrub Fortnite references from social media accounts.
Some NHL teams consider the video game a major distraction/obsession.— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 28, 2018
Video Games And Hockey Players
This is not the first time video games have been a big topic in the hockey world. A few months ago Jeff Marek of Sportsnet reported that a high draft pick of a prominent NHL team was ruining his shot at the NHL because of a video game addiction.
Marek went on to say this on the 31 Thoughts Podcast with Elliotte Friedman
On video games – and I’m not gonna say the player’s name. I really doubt he’s going to make it to the NHL, and it’s because of a video game addiction. To the point where his general manager told me — his junior general manager told me — that they’ve had him go to counseling over it. Because he’ll play until all hours of the night and into the morning and then he’ll have no energy the next day. Like, he’ll be a write-off. And it is that bad. He has … this compulsion for playing video games till all hours. I swore upon … that I wouldn’t say the player’s name, but it’s unfortunate.
“I mean, he’s a recent first-round draft pick for a very, very prominent NHL team, will probably never play in the NHL because of a video game addiction.”
Hockey and Fortnite Mania
While many players play video games to wind down, it seems it has been a distraction for some players, especially the younger ones. Many NHL players play Fortnite for fun but it doesn’t seem to be hurting their game. Patrik Laine loves to play Fortnite and he scored 44 goals last season. He also helped the Jets to their season and playoff run in franchise history.
A decade years ago, the Penguins were super into playing Socom on their PSPs together. Crosby and Fleury were the ones most into it. They turned out ok.
The most hardcore EA NHL players in the real league are Jonathan Drouin and Patrik Laine. They don’t seem very distracted..
— Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) August 28, 2018
Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner admit they love to play Fortnite and they don’t seem very distracted.
“It’s absolutely sweeping the nation.” Matthews said.
Canucks defenceman Erik Gudbranson even shared his thoughts on the popular game.
“Oh, it’s definitely addictive,” Gudbrannson said. “A lot of the young guys are gamers, big time. They all play Fortnite, which doesn’t come as a shock, for sure.”
He also admitted he isn’t very good at the game and would much rather spend his time outside.
“To be honest with you, these kids are too good with this game. I go on there and I get roasted. I get sick of it,” Gudbranson said. “I’m more of a golfer. I like to go out there and get in the sun.”
My Thoughts
No, I do not play Fortnite. I don’t think I ever will. Plus, I still own an Xbox 360 and a Wii. I play video games but not often as I used too. In fact, I quit playing video games for almost two years because I feared it was a distraction from the more important things in life.
I like to play NHL and FIFA the most. Particularly Be a Pro in NHL. (I scored 68 goals and had 54 assists in one season) In FIFA, I like to play the manager career mode; where I led Chelsea to the Premier League Title, FA Cup and Champions League in my first season.
I also like to play Call of Duty, Halo, Grand Theft Auto, Pokemon, Mario, and Super Smash as well.
Personally, I don’t mind professional hockey players to play games in their downtime. I think it is a good team building activity. It also helps players bond with each other.
ICYMI: We took a trip to @EpicGames for some fun team building with Fortnite as we build a special culture in Carolina pic.twitter.com/Tjso2JPOxF
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) August 28, 2018
As long as the players don’t get distracted by gaming, it is fine. Gaming is fun but they have to realize that their careers in the NHL are more important. They need to focus on their game and staying healthy and fit. They need to remember that they chose this career and worked so hard to play in the NHL. It is a privilege to play in the NHL and it won’t last forever.
A lot of people harp on players when they play video games. Remember, they are human too. They just have really cool jobs and their job is stressful. Athletes can get stressed out too. They also get tired as well. Playing video games is a way to unwind, relax and relieve stress.
I actually think it is better for hockey players to play video games together instead of going to bars and nightclubs. It is better for them to game than to take steroids and PEDS and beat up people in bars and clubs.
Conclusion
Finally, hockey players playing and enjoying video games like Fortnite is totally fine. As long as they don’t play too much and get distracted and lose sight of their careers and the more important things in life.
Social Media
Follow me on Twitter: @Vancityorca91
