The world drastically changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting every aspect of life, including our families. As a father of two daughters, one with autism, I witnessed firsthand the pandemic’s profound disruption, particularly on her development.
Despite access to top specialists and Boston’s excellent early intervention programs, virtual support’s limitations were undeniable. We struggled, holding laptops and trying to convey our daughter’s movements to specialists. It was a stark reminder of the pandemic’s immense challenges and the sheer resilience it demanded from all of us.
The pandemic’s lingering effects extend far beyond physical health. Countless children, including my own, experienced significant impacts on their mindset and confidence. Recognizing and understanding their struggles is crucial.
Lafrenière was part of the unfortunate 2020 NHL draft class, the first to navigate the pandemic. He went eight months without competitive games, with his first after being drafted occurring on opening night of the 2020-21 season. We watched him don the Rangers jersey in his living room, surrounded by his family, without cameras, media, or the commissioner’s congratulations. The draft, originally scheduled for Montreal in June, was pushed back due to the pandemic and held in October virtually. His first NHL game was in the Edmonton Bubble without a crowd.
We must remember that the OHL and many development programs worldwide closed during the pandemic, further delaying these young athletes’ development. Additionally, they are playing against seasoned professionals.
Quinton Byfield, drafted 2nd overall in 2020 from his home, bounced back and forth between the AHL and NHL, hindering his development.
Jake Neighbours is also having a breakout season. He has already matched his previous year’s goal total in fewer games. The Edmonton Sun wrote an article in March 2020 stating that Neighbours was playing the best hockey of his life before the pandemic abruptly stopped his season.
Numerous athletes across various sports share similar stories. We often forget they are kids who navigated incredibly challenging times at a young age. It’s rewarding to see them now reach and surpass expectations.
My own daughter (who is now 4 years old), delayed in walking and talking, runs everywhere and possesses the sass of a teenager and the vocabulary of a 20-year-old.
Sometimes, we need to remember to stay focused, trust the process, and have faith that everything will work out.
