Concussion concerns end Farrell’s career
HOWIE CENTRE — When Kyle Farrell signed his first professional contract in 2019, he envisioned a lengthy career in hockey.
The Howie Centre native had finished four years with Acadia University's hockey program in Wolfville and felt the time was right to pursue options in Europe.
After a successful first season with Stjernen Hockey in Norway, Farrell re-signed with the Fredrikstad-based team in July. All looked promising until the first game of the season.
The 26-year-old suffered a concussion during the season opener against Lillehammer but he felt he could play through it.
“I took a blindside hit late in the third period of the game,” said Farrell. “I ignored the concussion symptoms that I had dealt with in the past and just tried to keep playing.”
Unfortunately, the symptoms lingered for days after the game, but he continued to ignore the signs. He was able to make it through practice, but he knew something didn't feel right.
On Oct. 8, Farrell suited up for a game against Sparta. During the contest, the five-footeight, 181-pound centre took a routine hit as he normally would, but that's when things went from bad to worse.
“I blacked out on the bench after that — it was probably the scariest thing overall,” said Farrell. “I can't recall the moments after that, but I found myself on the trainer's table with the team doctor standing next to me.”
In the weeks following the concussion, Farrell met with several different doctors in Norway and eventually received word no hockey player wants to hear — step away from professional play.
“They told me that with the severity of the situation there was a good chance they'd never clear me to return for the season,” said Farrell. “After discussing my rough history with concussions, they strongly recommended that I step away from the game at the professional level.”
Farrell admits he had a difficult time processing the information.
“For most of my life, I have always just considered myself a hockey player, so it was hard for me to picture myself as anything else,” said Farrell.
“My mind was racing 100 miles an hour for days. It was tough to process the information while not feeling yourself.”
CONCUSSION PROBLEMS
Over the course of his career, Farrell believes he may have had upwards of seven concussions. His first came during his third season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
Farrell would suffer another concussion during his second season with the Acadia Axemen. He suffered a few smaller-scale concussions before the most recent one.
“If I could describe the feeling overall, I would say it feels like someone is consistently squeezing my head together,” said Farrell of the recent injury.
“The pressure in my head is very high at times. You feel very sluggish and in a bit of a fog. It can feel like things around you are happening very slow.
“The mental aspect is very tough to deal with as well. Mentally, you just wonder when you will feel yourself again and that can weigh on you.”
THE JOURNEY
Farrell began his hockey career with the Cape Breton County Minor Hockey Association and went on to play with the Cape Breton Tradesmen of the Nova Scotia Eastlink Major Midget Hockey League.
In 2010, he was drafted by his hometown Screaming Eagles in the third-round, No. 39 overall, at the QMJHL Entry Draft.
During his four-and-a-half seasons with the Eagles, Farrell posted 103 goals and 114 assists for 217 points in 252 games. He's currently third in the organization's history in career goals, only behind Kevin Asselin (121) and Dean Ouellet (107). Farrell's best season in an Eagles uniform came in his final year, recording 42 goals and 88 points in 63 games during the 2014-15 campaign.
“Being able to play in front of family and friends each night over that span was something I dreamed about as a kid growing up in Cape Breton,” said Farrell. “I'll always cherish my days as an Eagle as some of them have been my most memorable as a hockey player.”
Following his junior career, Farrell was recruited by Acadia University and played four seasons with the Wolfville-based Axemen in the Atlantic University Sport.
Farrell, who was enrolled in the business administration program at Acadia, recorded 46 goals and 44 assists for 90 points in 106 games. He also played in the 2018 University Cup national championship tournament, posting a goal and an assist in the team's lone game.
“I got the best of both worlds at Acadia with playing hockey and being able to complete my degree in business,” said Farrell.
“Acadia has one of the best facilities for college hockey in the country, in my opinion, and I knew it would allow me to prepare for the pro ranks upon my graduation.”
THE FUTURE
For now, Farrell isn't looking too far into the future. He's focused on his recovery and says he has his good days and his bad days.
“Being through this before you know it's something you can't rush,” said Farrell. “Unfortunately, only time can heal it so you just have to be patient.”
When asked if he plans on staying involved in the game off the ice, Farrell was open to the idea.
“My passion for the game is very high and I could definitely see myself getting involved in coaching or management at some point,” said Farrell. “The management side of the game is something that has always intrigued me, we'll see.”
Farrell does see himself eventually getting back on the ice and possibly playing recreational hockey locally.
“I think I will get the itch to play for fun with some of my buddies at some point,” said Farrell. “My passion for the game is something that's probably one of my biggest attributes.”
As for living in Cape Breton, Farrell and his girlfriend recently purchased a home on the island and plan to be in the area moving forward.
Farrell had a final message for his supporters.
“I will always be truly grateful for the fans in Cape Breton,” said Farrell. “It has been a great journey over the years and I would just like to thank all those who have been part of it.”