
Local legend opens up about his experience with depression and anxiety
Tim Leonard is a local coaching legend. He led the Prince Albert Mintos to back-to-back Telus Cup midget (now U18) national championships in 2006 and 2007. With him behind the bench, Leonard helped create the Mintos’ legacy and history that attracts some of the best U18 AAA players across the province today to Hockey Town North.
But at times, Leonard did not feel like the fearless leader many in the Mintos organization saw him as. Leonard said he suffered from depression and anxiety for years, which he said was tough on him and his family.
“I’m supposed to be this coach that people lean on and go to for their problems, and here I am having them myself,” Leonard said. “It’s something you want to hide from and you’re ashamed a bit—and we shouldn’t be.”
While the annual #BellLetsTalk online movement to promote discussions about mental health, Leonard phoned into the paNOW office on Thursday to discuss his experience with anxiety and depression. He hopes putting a local face on the story and sharing his experience will help those struggling—especially during the tough times we’re all going through during the pandemic.