On the outside he seemed a happy-go-lucky young man, but beneath the surface (and piles of headwear) a darkness consumed him.

This is SHL! The Jakub Novak story @Esso2264 .

Young Jakub gained notoriety during his rookie season with the SMJHL’s Colorado Raptors for his love of hats. After buying a funny hat during a road trip with former teammates Tony Pepperoni, Alexander Selich, and fellow-third year pro Cassius Darrow, he began collecting any and all hats, wearing ridiculous headwear during warmups at home. His cult following grew into his second year, when fans would come to Raptors games with matching Czech Republic flag hats and go wild every time Novak touched the puck. His effervescent joy on and off the ice earned him the respect and adoration of many, leading to his eventual drafting by the Manhattan Rage.

The Mad Hatter moniker was born, but it hid a dark secret. Each new hat failed to fill the darkness in Jakub’s heart. He battled a sadness that consumed his life off the ice, and affected his game on the ice. He was completely ineffective his second year in the league, hiding his misery behind happy faces and ridiculous hats. Only after hitting rock bottom during a late season road trip did Novak finally admit he needed help. He worked with his coach Kim Jong Fun to seek out counseling.

Coming into his third (and possibly final?) juniors season, with a full summer of training his mind and body, Novak is happier, healthier, and hattier than ever. Watch out league!