While modern diabetes management is more advanced than it was in the days of hockey great Bobby Clarke, it is still not easy for the average person to manage, let alone a professional athlete. Something Cory Conacher (born in December, 1989) knows all too well. Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, this distant relative of Canadian legend Lionel Conacher had his sights set on playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) from a young age. After experiencing some health problems as a baby and young child, Cory appeared to flourish as he grew. Then he started to experience some of the classic symptoms of type I diabetes and was officially diagnosed at age 8. He credits his family with helping him become independent and responsible for his own health, while being able to educate teammates and others around him about his condition, including the signs to recognize in case of emergencies where he would need help.
In addition to the physical challenges, Conacher experienced emotional and social consequences of living with diabetes. He faced stigma as a young athlete, being underestimated and ultimately cut from his Junior AAA team. His coach at the time did not believe he would be capable of performing at a high level due to his condition and size. Conacher didn’t let this situation deter him from his goal, however. He worked harder at the lower AA level to eventually return to the AAA level and prove his capabilities. It was an isolating experience for him as none of his peers had the same challenges he did. But a meeting with Ajay Baines, an elite hockey player with diabetes competing in the American Hockey League, helped him realize that athletes with diabetes can perform at high levels and convinced him that he did not have to let his condition hold him back. After a successful career in college hockey at Canisius College, Cory joined the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning franchise through their minor league affiliate team, the Norfolk Admirals, leading them to the Calder Cup as the league’s MVP. Conacher was also an important cog in the gold-medal winning Team Canada at the 2015 Spengler Cup. He currently plays for the Lausanne Hockey Club in Switzerland.
Conacher’s circumstances highlight that it is still up to individuals to ensure they are following the protocols in place to keep them well and able to perform at high levels. He has experienced situations where he had dangerously low blood sugar levels and required emergency care. Preparation and responsible monitoring are key. That said, the tools that aid and improve management of diabetes can be costly, leading to inequities in access to care.
Beyond pumping up his team’s fans, Conacher has made it his mission to become a role model for aspiring athletes living with diabetes. In addition to contributing to fundraising and awareness raising events, Cory wants to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to achieve their dreams. DSkate, a program that encourages and educates young hockey players living with diabetes and their families through a hockey camp, allows him to do just that. More recently, Conacher shared his story in the documentary Miracle, Baby, directed by Calvin Hudson Hwang. Miracle, Baby presents Conacher’s journey living with diabetes, in addition to other tribulations and joys in his life.
— Written by Sandhya Mylabathula