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Keenan: Playing through the pain may not be smart

Hockey great Jarome Iginla played 1,554 regular-season games in an era of punishing, highly physical NHL hockey. According to the sports site Statmuse, he delivered 1,599 body checks after the league began tracking them in 1999 — and it is safe to say he was on the receiving end of a comparable number. What has that relentless wear and tear done to his now 49-year-old body? In a recent interview with Sportsnet journalist Eric Francis, Iginla disclosed that he has been “battling some health issues,” including neurological challenges. He noted concerns about metal toxins, including cobalt, chromium and mercury, which he suspects may be linked to a hip replacement he received back in 2017. Over time, implants with metal components can experience wear and tear, releasing metal ions into the bloodstream. According to a report published by the Investigative Journalism Bureau of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Toronto, settled and ongoing class actions target metal hip device manufacturers in Canada. Safer alternative materials, such as ceramics, polyethylene and titanium, are now standard. The report notes that metal-on-metal devices “are no longer used for total hip replacements in Canada.” However, they continue to be used, in shrinking numbers, for hip resurfacing, a procedure “considered most suitable for younger men who want to maintain movement and athletic ability.” Fortunately, total hip replacements have improved dramatically, making them the preferred surgical option in most cases. This evolution highlights the broader progress transforming modern medicine. New materials and techniques have turned hip replacement from a procedure requiring a prolonged hospital stay into an outpatient operation. According to Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) data, “in 2024–2025, 35.8 per cent of hip replacements … due to osteoarthritis were performed as day surgeries” which represents a 3.5-fold increase since 2020–2021. Surgical robots are also carving out a role, though the CIHI report notes they are still used in only 3.1 per cent of Canadian hip and knee replacements. Since the chance that an average Canadian man will require a hip replacement in his lifetime ranges from eight per cent to 11 per cent, the overwhelming odds are that you won’t face surgery like Iginla’s. Even so, it is worth examining other ways we push our bodies too hard. Studies show that the highest prevalence of “playing through the pain” occurs in team sports where the culture normalizes physical trauma. University and club-level players in sports like American football, rugby, and ice hockey are especially prone to concealing minor injuries just to stay in the game. Gymnasts and figure skaters often overlook chronic overuse injuries. In Playing through the Pain: A University-Based Study of Sports Injury, researchers including Jenny Godley of the University of Calgary administered an online survey to 275 university students. They found that “the concept of the ‘sports ethic’ was a major determinant in respondents’ reported willingness to play through injuries.” The authors noted that the term was coined by Robert Hughes and Jay Coakley, who defined it as “making sacrifices for the game; striving for distinction; accepting risks and playing through the pain; and refusing to accept limits in the pursuit of possibilities.” The University of Calgary researchers also uncovered some surprising statistics. They found that women were willing to play through 23.2 per cent of injuries on average, compared to 15.8 per cent for men. Additionally, those with a coach or trainer were willing to play through 23.4 per cent of injuries on average, compared to 16.4 per cent for those without. What if you aren’t playing a high-stakes contact sport, but simply headed out for a morning jog when something starts hurting? Unless you belong to a running club or are training for a marathon, the pressure to “take one for the team” isn’t there. You definitely want to avoid doing more harm than good. Medical experts distinguish between routine discomfort and true pain. Mild, dull muscle fatigue after exercise typically resolves in a day or two, during which time you can pivot to low-impact alternatives like cycling. However, sharp, stabbing, or worsening pain is a clear signal to consult a health-care professional. Jarome Iginla enjoyed a legendary career and was a beloved fan favourite for two decades. Now that the cheers have faded, he faces the steep physical toll of his time on the ice. By speaking openly about his condition, he is doing a tremendous service for others navigating, or just trying to prevent, sports-related medical issues down the road. Tom Keenan is an award-winning journalist, public speaker, professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary, and author of the best-selling book Technocreep: The Surrender of Privacy and the Capitalization of Intimacy.

Calgary Herald
CanadaCalgary Herald

Wilson: Matvei Michkov could be a game changer, but at what cost for the Flames?

Matvei Michkov is rumoured to want out of Philadelphia. The 21-year-old was selected seventh overall in 2023 after dominating at every level of hockey in his native Russia. At age 19, he scored 63 points as an NHL rookie, more than any Flyers freshman since Mikael Renberg in 1993-94. Michkov has game-breaking talent, something the Flames still lack up front despite their impressive prospect pipeline. He is also the right age for Calgary’s budding new core. But questions about his cost and character make pursuing the winger a risk. The player It was clear early on that Michkov was special. He played in the MHL, Russia’s junior league, as a 15-year-old, scoring 38 goals and 56 points in 56 games. For context, that is roughly equivalent to Nikita Kucherov’s 54 points in 53 games at the same age. Michkov then scored at a better than goal per game pace in the MHL the following season, managing 30 goals and 51 points in just 28 games. In his draft year, Michkov moved up to the professional ranks, recording 20 points in 27 games in the KHL. Only Vladimir Tarasenko has scored more points in that league as a draft eligible player. Michkov spent one more year overseas, exploding for 19 goals and 41 points in 48 games. His point per game rate of 0.85 was comparable to those of other famous Russian prospects who played in the KHL, including Ivan Demidov (0.75), Kirill Kaprizov (0.86) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (0.84). In short, Michkov put up superstar level results as a teenager in the Russian leagues. Many considered him a top three talent in his draft year. Even in his NHL rookie season, he matched Macklin Celebrini in points (63), despite playing 10 more games than the Sharks’ superstar. Michkov is only average sized at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, but scouts praise his exceptionally high offensive IQ, edgework, deception with the puck and quick release. In a season when the Flyers are struggling and Michkov is feuding with his coach, he still leads the club with 10 goals and 15 points in 21 games. The problems But there are reasons Michkov is not quite a slam dunk trade target for Calgary. Besides not being particularly big, he also lacks top end speed. His defensive efforts were criticized by most scouts, something that has not changed much during his time in the NHL. He is also a left shot winger, the position of least concern for the Flames. Perhaps most concerning are the whispers of a poor attitude. Michkov has feuded with both John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet. He reportedly showed up for training camp out of shape last season, and his limited English has reportedly created problems communicating with coaches and teammates. During his draft season, Washington Capitals scout Andrei Nikolishin went on record saying he found Michkov disrespectful. The Montreal Canadiens also passed on Michkov with the fifth overall pick, citing negative reports out of Russia about his attitude and coachability. More recently, on Nov. 9, Michkov was seen arguing with defenceman Nick Seeler on the Flyers’ bench. The 21-year-old’s production has also stagnated rather than improved over time. He finished with just 21 goals and 51 points during his sophomore season and is currently on pace for 60 points in 84 games this year. These are good, but not great, results. Consider how significantly Celebrini has improved since the pair tied in points during their rookie seasons. Beyond his below-average size, possible attitude issues and the Flames’ limited positional need, the real issue with trying to acquire Michkov might be the cost. Danny Briere, the Flyers’ general manager, is caught in a kind of retool versus rebuild purgatory that is familiar to Flames fans. Landing a player with franchise cornerstone potential at seventh overall in the draft was seen as a major coup at the time. He is an executive who cannot afford to accept a less than impressive package in a trade should his hand be forced. In 2021, the Buffalo Sabres moved Jack Eichel after a lengthy feud, acquiring Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, a first-round pick and a second-round pick from Vegas. We can therefore assume that any asking price from the Flyers will likely start with one of the Flames’ grade A prospects (Carson Carels, Cole Reschny, Ethan Wyttenbach or Zayne Parekh), plus a first-round pick and a young, capable roster player. Can the Flames risk that kind of package for a small, disgruntled winger? Albeit one with incredible pedigree who could still become a superstar in the right environment? Only Craig Conroy can answer those questions.

Calgary Herald
CanadaCalgary Herald

Boettcher: Sisters jump into Alberta cocktail game with ready to drink margaritas

A few years ago, sister entrepreneurs Abby and Erika Jordan were searching for healthy-ish, ready-to-drink cocktails in the small Ontario town where they grew up. Everything they tried was high in sugar or chemicals, or both. “We are wellness girls who want to have a good time,” Erika says. They also both hold business degrees and have worked in the alcohol industry, so they started thinking about creating their own canned cocktail. What would it taste like? Where would they make it? They packed up their stuff and moved to Vancouver, thinking it would be a good place to create a business. The West Coast wasn’t the right fit for them, so they backtracked and settled in Calgary. Why Alberta? “We had never been to Alberta, and we love to explore,” says Abby, 25. “We’re very curious gals.” They found a production facility in Airdrie and another in Ontario. And this past summer, they launched their business, 1964 Beverages, as well as their first drink, the 1964 Margarita. The name 1964 comes from the year the sisters’ grandparents were married. “They worked really hard to get to where they are, but they always have a happy hour together,” says Erika, 24. “This is in honour of them and their hard work and what they’ve taught us. We wanted something we could drink with them but also something that didn’t compromise on quality ingredients.” The 1964 Margarita contains five per cent alcohol and just six ingredients: water, agave spirit, agave syrup, lime juice, salt and orange juice (instead of the Cointreau found in a traditional margarita). Slightly effervescent, it is light, lime-ish and not too sweet, without a strong alcohol burn. It’s now for sale in Alberta and will be on sale in Ontario soon. And what do their grandparents think about their foray into the cocktail business world? “They love it,” Erika says. “Grandma pours hers in a wine glass and drinks it with us.” 1964 Margarita, 1964 Beverages, about $4.50 per 355-mL can. Check out 1964beverages.com for a full list of retailers. Ready-to-drink margaritas aren’t the only new spirits available to try. Here are some other local beverages. Corn whisky made in Alberta If, like many of us, you have been searching for a Canadian alternative to bourbon, one local distiller has something to try. Under the leadership of master distiller Jarrod Grant, Highwood Distillers has just released its Highwood 25 Whisky, made from prairie corn and aged for 25 years in oak barrels. About 2,000 bottles of the Highwood 25 have been made. It has a rich amber colour, is sweet and smooth, with notes of vanilla, popcorn, cinnamon and brown sugar. Highwood was started in High River in 1974, and although ownership has shifted over the years, it is now owned by a group of Albertans. Highwood president Michael Nychyk says his favourite way to drink the Highwood 25 is neat, without water or ice. “I like it at ambient temperature, 18 to 20 degrees, in a nice rocks glass or whisky glass,” he says. I can’t help but agree. Highwood 25 Whisky, Highwood Distillers (Caldera Distilling), suggested retail price $150 at retailers across the province or online at highwoodwhisky.com . 12 days of coffee Rosso Coffee Roasters is releasing a Christmas in December 12-day tasting kit this month, featuring (as if you didn’t figure it out), 12 different coffees for aficionados to try. The exact coffees aren’t revealed, but will include two from their rarest Gold Series, six single-origin blends from farms and regions the team loves most, as well as a sampler of their new holiday blend, Winter Spice. Each 50-gram sample can be used with a pour-over, espresso, or whatever you use. They’re also packaged in a very cool metal box that looks a little like a vintage first aid kit. For some of us, coffee practically is first aid. Rosso Coffee Roasters, Christmas in December Tasting Kit, $150, rossocoffeeroasters.com One for the Road Calgary-based physiotherapist Graham Matheos is the guy behind One for the Road, an award-winning, zero-proof beer company. His latest release, Check Out My Pickle, is, Matheos says, “a big dill” in the beer world. It is as sassy as it sounds — a non-alcoholic beer that contains pickle brine. But the flavour is lighter and less wacky than I expected, with dill pickle aromas and flavours, and pronounced dill on the palate. I would try it with a bowl of borscht, but Matheos says it also pairs well with a cheeseburger or grilled cheese sandwich. With extra pickles, of course. Check Out My Pickle Beer, One for the Road Brewing Co., $15 for a six-pack at onefortheroadbrewery.com or select retailers across the city. Establishment wins A shoutout to The Establishment Brewing Company, which was named Alberta Brewery of the Year at the Alberta Beverage Awards this fall. It is the fourth time the Calgary brewery has won the award created by the Alberta Small Brewers Association. Shelley Boettcher is a Calgary wine and spirits enthusiast who writes monthly.

Calgary Herald