Auston Matthews' business partner and hockey innovator Per Mårs passes away at 43
Auston Matthews' business partner Per Mårs has tragically passed away at 43 years old after struggling with some mental health issues over his lifetime, and the hockey world is in mourning over the loss of the one-time Blue Jackets draft pick.
Mårs took an interest in equipment development after retiring in 2008, and developed the 'Marsblade' an off-ice skating tool that allows players to work on their footwork even in the off months.
The announcement was made by the company itself on Instagram.
Several players in addition to Matthews has used them including Brent Burns, Connor McDavid, Evgeni Malkin, and Aleksander Barkov.
The Matthews-Mårs bond and why this hits the Maple Leafs captain personally
If things couldn't get worse for Matthews this season, this puts the icing on the cake. Matthews invested in the company as well and worked diligently with Mårs to ensure that the product is not only effective, but adaptable to any situation.
Matthews is currently dealing with a leg injury, and well, you need your legs to skate. With the loss of Mårs, Matthews loses a great mind in the hockey world and someone he trusted in order to help make his offseason regiment more effective.
It was past just a simple meeting between the two. This was a partnership that tragically ended way, way too prematurely.
A firm reminder of the mental health battle within the hockey community
It's never easy to hear about a death in the hockey world, but sadly far too often have we seen lives taken too young. Wade Belak, Derek Boogaard, and Rick Rypien among others are all players who also struggled with mental health concerns.
It shows that there needs to be an onus on the league to provide proper support and tools for players who are dealing with serious issues. Adding more channels for post-playing support, especially with the rise of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is critical in curbing these incidents. The NHL needs to do better.
Just last year, the NHL unveiled unveiled a Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund which would allow former players to reach out and get help with issues that include mental health services.
While a great step forward, it's a little late for those who passed. Mars retired nearly 20 years ago, and if there were implements in place to help him when he needed it the most, things may be a lot different.
Current players like Joseph Woll are trying to raise awareness with their own struggles, and have donated to charity in order to help educate and create new methods for helping people.
We here at HockeyPatrol would like to wish the family of Per Mårs our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
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