ESPN.com · Jun 20, 2019
Lehner's mental health message earns Masterton
LAS VEGAS -- Nine months after Robin Lehner publicly revealed his battle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, the New York Islanders goalie won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
"I took that first step and it's been life changing for me," Lehner said in his acceptance speech at the NHL Awards at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday. "Got to keep pushing, end the stigma. I'm not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill, but that doesn't mean I'm mentally weak."
Later, Lehner told reporters it was "pretty tough" to address the crowd and he was "fighting back tears."