Nicole Crescenzi/Special to the Gazette

Officiating hockey games has been more than a fun pastime for Greater Victoria resident Shayne Heinekey: it has also saved his life.

Heinekey, 21, officiates in the Junior A level B.C. Hockey League. HeB次元官网网址檚 been on the ice since he was four and as a young teenager went into officiating to get more time on the ice and earn some money.

When he was 14, however, he started having trouble with his mental health.

B次元官网网址淚 started struggling with depression, anxiety and at one point I was suicidal,B次元官网网址� Heinekey said.

He went for treatment at the Queen Alexandra Centre for ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health and was put on antidepressants. While the medication helped alleviate some symptoms, it also caused him to gain a lot of weight, pushing him further into depression.

B次元官网网址淚t was a vicious cycle that I felt no way out of.B次元官网网址�

At 17 and weighing 250 pounds, Heinekey was selected to officiate at the BC Cup tournament in Salmon Arm.

B次元官网网址淢y anxiety was so bad when I went there, I almost backed [out] and went home.B次元官网网址�

Luckily his mother called his mentor, Galen Brewer, a man Heinekey said has always had his back.

B次元官网网址淚 ended up talking to him and the next thing I knew I was getting ready to go on the ice,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 am so glad I did! I received great feedback and this is where my life turned around.B次元官网网址�

After that day Heinekey knew what he wanted: to be a professional linesman in the NHL. In order to do that he knew some things needed to change.

He spoke with his family and doctor about getting off of his medication and together created a support plan which included continued therapy and an overhaul to his exercise and diet regime.

Since then, Heinekey has lost over 100 pounds and spent more time on the ice, officiating four times per week on average. When heB次元官网网址檚 not on the ice or exercising, he can be found researching hockey games, reading rules, re-watching games and listening to feedback from others.

Senior officials noticed the change: Heinekey was nominated for Hockey Canada Officiating recognition award and was BC HockeyB次元官网网址檚 winner for 2021 of the Hockey Canada most improved official award.

B次元官网网址淚 first found out when I got a call from (B.C. Hockey referee-in-chief) Sean Raphael, and I was super excited,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of officials in B.C., IB次元官网网址檓 sure there were a few who deserved it more than me.B次元官网网址�

Knowing the difference a mentor can make, Heinekey is now one himself in the Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association, where he officiates and teaches younger officials.

B次元官网网址淚 have been able to relate to the younger officials when hearing someone is struggling and have even made sure I work with them to let them know what I went through.B次元官网网址�

While keeping a balanced life is key for supporting his mental health, he said his experiences have helped him grow in his own on-ice work, which can present stressful and combative situations where officials need to keep level-headed.

B次元官网网址淚t was a hard time in my life, but I would not change it,B次元官网网址� he said of his difficult years. B次元官网网址淚 truly feel that this made me who I am today, and that is reflected in the awards and opportunities I have had since that time.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ: Montreal Canadiens star Carey Price enters NHL/NHLPA assistance program

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