New York Islanders: Robin Lehner’s Speech Stole The Show

By Matt O'Leary
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 19: Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders accepts the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey during the 2019 NHL Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 19: Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders accepts the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey during the 2019 NHL Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner took home the Masterton Trophy and gave an extremely moving speech that stole the show.

The NHL Awards was actually pretty entertaining this year. There were a ton of memorable and funny moments but one moment specifically stands out the most and that’s New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner’s speech.

After winning the Masterton Trophy, Robin Lehner went on stage to give his acceptance speech and you could tell how emotional it was for him.

He fought a very public battle against addiction and mental health issues and this award was an easy choice. As he spoke tears streamed down his wife’s face as she looked on with obvious pride, the entire audience did.

His entire speech was phenomenal but one line, in particular, stuck out:

"“I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.”"

Goosebumps. Robin Lehner has been a terrific role model for anyone going through mental health issues. He’s been extremely open with his struggles which is rare from an athlete, especially in hockey.

It’s important to have these conversations about mental health, and Robin Lehner has been an unbelievable spokesman for the cause. On the ice, Lehner’s impact was huge for the Islanders but his biggest impact may have come off the ice.

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