Kylington’s first Flames practice in 19 months makes for emotional day in Calgary

The emotion of the moment still raw, Oliver Kylington’s lip quivered as he spoke of just how uncertain he was a day like this would ever come. 

He’d just participated in his first NHL practice in 19 months, following a mental health journey the 26-year-old Flames defenceman could only hope would end up in the familiar surroundings of a dressing room so full of love for him.

“I just tried to really approach it as any other day, but it was kind of hard,” said Kylington of the leadup to Monday’s skate.  

“Yesterday I had a moment for myself. 

“At one point in time, I didn’t think I was going to be here.

“It was kind of emotional, but in a good way. I was excited to come here today and see everyone and just share the ice with everyone and play hockey again.”

As part of a bittersweet day at the Saddledome, his words came as he stood 15 feet from the stall Dillon Dube used before he left the club Sunday to tackle his own mental health issues.

And in a room filled with teammates who spoke endlessly on Monday about how much they care for both players, who better to echo their support than the man who was the recipient of it throughout his battle?      

“I’m not sure what he’s going through, but I’m there for him,” said Kylington, a long-time teammate and friend of Dube’s.

“When he’s ready and he wants to share, I know how it feels, so I’m there for him. 

“I think the whole organization supports him and his decision and just wants him to feel better and take those steps to get back.

“I just care for him.”

It was the mantra of the day.

No longer is society or sport scared of addressing the mental health issues that were once taboo.

What the Flames have demonstrated in both cases is that compassion and support await anyone who feels they’re struggling. 

“I’m really proud of the way the Calgary Flames supported Shilly this year-and-a-half, and Dillon now, too,” said captain Mikael Backlund.  

“It’s very important we take care of each other and make sure everyone’s in a good place. 

“It’s a hard league to play in if you’re not doing well off the ice.

“We’re there for everyone.”

Backlund has certainly walked the walk, staying in contact with Kylington throughout his absence, and speaking with Dube as well.

He even went out of his way to take part in the NHLPA’s new First Line program, addressing mental health. 

“We educated ourselves about mental health and that helps us know how to take care of ourselves, but also how to help teammates,” said Backlund.

“That sends a big message that in this room everyone really cares about their teammates.”

Throughout practice, Kylington exhibited plenty of the speed and shiftiness that made him such an integral member of the team’s top four in 2021-22, when he had nine goals and 31 points and was plus-34.

Several teammates erupted after he sniped one past Dan Vladar, prompting Kylington to shrug afterwards, “I can still shoot.”

As he led the team stretch at the end of the skate, one teammate yelled out what everyone had said to him privately: welcome back.

“You feel the love,” he smiled.

“I feel like I’ve been playing with a lot of guys in this dressing room for a long time. You build the relationships, and you care for each other. You feel that for sure. Just good love. I appreciate that.

“They’ve been a great support system, everyone basically checking in with me and texting and calling and just being there as a friend. Everyone’s been a part of my process in some bits. I appreciate everyone that’s been there for me in this process.”

Ryan Huska said that with input from Kylington, whom he coached as an 18-year-old in Stockton, he is now a coach’s decision in terms of when he’ll return to NHL action.

That too, will be an emotional moment, as it’s important to remember Kylington felt he was ready to return for training camp, only to realize the day before he still had work to do.

That’s when the club’s medical team and trainers worked closely with him and his support team to map out a plan for his return – a plan that all hinged on his comfort level.

It takes a village, which is what the Flames want Dube to know as well.

“He knows we’re here for him and ready to support him with anything he needs,” said Chris Tanev.

“If he wants to go for a coffee, he wants to go for a beer, he wants to go for dinner, he needs someone to tuck him in or hang out with him… anyone in here, if someone calls someone I think they would get up and go over and help them right away. 

“That’s the great thing about this organization.”

Coincidentally, Tuesday’s tilt against St. Louis is the Flames’ annual Hockey Talks game in support of mental health.

“We’re human beings,” said Kylington.

“I think it’s important to see that we’re like you guys and we go through a lot of stuff in our lives, too. 

“It doesn’t have to be hockey-related. It can be so much else.”