I was standing in the checkout line at the library when I spotted Sheldon Kennedy's expose of childhood abuse, "Why I Didn't Say Anything: The Sheldon Kennedy Story".
For those who aren't hockey fans or those who were living in their cellars the fly leaf of this chilling memoir sets the stage for Sheldon's story:
"In 1996, Sheldon Kennedy rocked the insular world of Canadian Hockey by announcing that his former minor-league coach, Graham James -- the Hockey News 1989 Man of the Year had sexually abused him more than 300 times"
The story unfolds from Sheldon's life on the farm, where he learned to skate and play hockey. To his fateful meeting with Graham James. And, the subsequent abuse he suffered at the hands (mouth and prick) of this charismatic pedophile.
Like many abuse victims Sheldon took on the shame and the blame for the abuse. Shame lead to alcholol and drug abuse... even while his junior hockey team (coached by James) won a world championship.
Eventually, James went on to play successfully, or at least on the surface, in the NHL. All the while struggling with his demons.
Finally, the internal pressure became too much and Sheldon told his team mates -- and the police. This lead to an investigation and charges against James. But, James decided to plead guilty. Thereby avoiding the risk of a trial.
Sheldon and his demons were restless. So, he set up a Foundation and decided to inline skate across Canada to raise funds. He succeed after 5 months, quite literally, on the road.
But, success was fleeting and his demons took over. Soon cocaine and booze drove him to bottom. Finally, he got the help he needed from the NHLPA substance abuse program.
Today, Sheldon lives and works in Calgary, Alberta as youth counsellor.
If you care about children, especially children who have been abused, this book is a must read.
Contact Sheldon at his web site.
