Former first round pick finds peace doing odd jobs

Slater Koekkoek last participated in hockey in 2021–22 with the Edmonton Oilers, where he appeared in 19 NHL games before spending two more in the AHL. Not long after that season ended, he retired.

Koekkoek represented Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Edmonton franchises in 186 NHL games. In a recent interview, he talked about his career, problems, and his new career path with Ian Mendes of the Athletic.

Koekkoek talked about his struggles during his NHL career and how he felt like a failure as a professional.


Now that he has retired from the NHL, Koekkoek expressed gratitude to his therapist, Claude Tellier, for his support. Being an NHL player, he was always afraid to be too personal because there was a chance the coaching staff may learn what he said.

Koekkoek claimed that he read too many nasty pieces on social media and in the mainstream media. He started to developing food disorders and anxiety.


Would Koekkoek change anything about how his life went?


Once he tried his hand at helping out at a crowded Tim Horton's one day, Koekkoek would perform odd jobs after retiring while trying to come up with a new career for himself. He felt better in a professional setting when he first started working at a friend's restoration company.


After learning about the labor shortages in other sectors of the economy, he founded a new business called "FFYLwork," which stands for Fulfill Your Life and employs a range of shift workers who are prepared to work.


As Read On The Athletic - Why a first-round pick walked away from the NHL — and found peace doing odd jobs

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