Boucher knows what we shouldn't forget about hockey players

Brian Boucher knows a thing or two about toughness.

The guy played 151:48 minutes and made 57 saves in the Flyers' unforgettable 2-1 five-overtime marathon of a win in the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals.

But he also understands hockey players can feel pain not just in the physical realm. 

"You go back maybe 15, 20, 25 years, I think the idea of a hockey player was one who was tough, played through injury, shut his mouth, just go out there and do his job, team first," Boucher said in an interview with Michael Barkann as part of NBC Sports' HeadStrong initiative. "All of those are wonderful qualities to have, but along the way, in the last five, 10 years, we recognized players really struggle off the ice. Guys really struggle with the pressure of being an NHL player, struggle with relationships."

Boucher played for seven clubs and built bonds with many teammates over his 13-year NHL career. He learned to never assume life was rosy away from the rink for every player, that all teammates come from different backgrounds.

A greater spotlight on mental struggles in pro sports has helped clubs support their players in all aspects.

"At the end of the day, what you have to understand — although to some people hockey players are a kid's hero or idol — the player is a human being," Boucher said. "And how they were raised and the experience they had as children stay with them forever, and even though they are able to put on the jersey, go out and play a game that is very difficult, that's only two hours and 15 minutes of your day. There are other parts of the day you have to live your life and teams have been way more aware of it now."

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