Identifying with NHL netminder Knight’s struggle
‘While OCD can make a goalie really good, it also can work the opposite way and make the position really challenging’
As we inch closer to the commencement of the 2024-25 National Hockey League season, fans will be ecstatic to see what is in store for the usual suspects such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby.
It goes without saying that the trio will continue to give NHL goaltenders fits with their offensive creativity and elite skill.
But there is a netminder in the sunshine state that will also be worth watching intently, for a more personal reason.
In the 2019 NHL entry draft, the Florida Panthers selected U.S.-born sensation Spencer Knight with the 13th overall selection. Knight was the first goaltender taken in that draft and understandably so. At sixfoot-three, 192 pounds with great lateral mobility and raw talent, scouts from NHL teams were salivating at the opportunity to add a potential franchise netminder to their stable.
The 2021 world junior gold medallist with team USA had two spectacular seasons with Boston College in the NCAA, posting back to back seasons with .931 and .932 save percentages.
Knight made his NHL debut in the 2020-21 season and registered a very respectable 2.32 GAA and .919 save percentage over four games. In 32 games in 2021-22, Knight posted 19 wins and a .908 save percentage.
Everything appeared to be trending in an upward trajectory for the Connecticut native, until the calendar struck February of 2023. At that time, it was announced Knight would be stepping away from the league to enter the NHL/NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program. Fans speculated as to the reason behind Knight’s unanticipated departure from the Panthers.
Eventually, Knight announced his departure was for the purpose of treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Knight confirmed his OCD issues were prevalent in college, resulting in extreme hand washing, and that the effects of OCD negatively affected him to the point he didn’t know if he could continue playing in the NHL.
It takes a special person to stand in the blue crease.
I can attest to the fact that playing goal while having an obsessive mind (unconfirmed OCD) can be a wonderful thing and at the same time extremely detrimental. When things are going well, your attention to detail is exquisite. Due to their obsessive traits, a netminder with OCD is usually willing to be the last player off the ice at practice and there is no denying their work ethic.
While OCD can make a goalie really good, it also can work the opposite way and make the position really challenging.
When things are good, the puck looks like a massive ball that is easy to block. When things are bad, the puck seems to be the size of a golf ball.
Knight and myself are not alone in the goalie fraternity when it comes to goalies that have dealt with OCD or OCD tendencies.
Former Vancouver Canucks netminder Corey Hirsch has spoken publicly about his struggles as a goalie while dealing with OCD. Hirsch’s issues were so significant he even attempted to break his own hand with a stick to get himself out of the lineup while employed with the Canucks.
Former Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk attributed his success in goal and eventual decline in the position to OCD.
The courage and willingness for Knight to show he was vulnerable is a testament to his character. Due to the fact I can relate to Knight’s struggles, I will be watching him closely this season, hoping he can eventually transition into the Panthers’ franchise goaltender.
Knight’s willingness to step away from an NHL roster spot to better his mental health deserves recognition!
CHRIS HARDILL IS A PETERBOROUGH NATIVE WHO PLAYED GOAL FOR
THE OHL’S BARRIE COLTS, KINGSTON FRONTENACS AND OTTAWA 67’S
FROM 2000 TO 2003 AND DOES COLOUR COMMENTARY ON PETERBOROUGH PETES RADIO BROADCASTS. HIS COLUMN WILL APPEAR WEEKLY IN THE EXAMINER DURING THE HOCKEY SEASON.
Knight confirmed his OCD issues were prevalent in college, resulting in extreme hand washing, and that the effects of OCD negatively affected him to the point he didn’t know if he could continue playing in the NHL