‘You lean on other people and get back to feeling like yourself’

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Clay Stevenson opened up about using hockey as therapy following the death of his mother, Holly, by suicide seven years ago. The 27-year-old netminder shared his personal journey to help dismantle mental health stigmas and inspire others dealing with adversity. Stevenson credited his mother with keeping him in the sport as a teenager and noted he honors her memory with the paramedic Star of Life emblem on his goalie mask.

After going undrafted and winning a Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears in 2024, Stevenson was claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets from the Washington Capitals. He has stepped into the crease amid Connor Hellebuyck's absence, recording a 1-2-0 record in three starts. Stevenson emphasized the value of speaking out and noted the supportive locker-room bond he shares with fellow goaltender Stuart Skinner.