While Walleye head scout Ed Burkholder dreams of one day bringing a Kelly Cup to Toledo, his daily passion is aimed at erasing stigmas surrounding serious issues affecting all of society.
Burkholder, whose connection with Toledo professional hockey dates to 2003, hopes to spark an open discussion on two subjects most people find uncomfortable.
Burkholder, a 50-year-old native of Welland, Ont., has launched a podcast to encourage others to speak up about topics such as testicular cancer, depression, and anxiety.
His campaign called “Check Yourself, Express Yourself” is deeply personal.
“It’s OK to talk about these things,” Burkholder said. “Plug into each other. Let’s talk about it.”
Burkholder, who also is a TV broadcaster for the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League, was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 26.
He has been cancer free since 2007, and has become a staunch advocate of cancer awareness.
“Cancer affects us all. Everyone has a story,” Burkholder said.
“You need to check yourself. It could save your life. Get to a doctor. It may be uncomfortable for a lot of people, but it could mean life or death.”
Burkholder has created T-shirts and cause bracelets with his slogan. Last month, he developed the idea of producing the podcast as another outlet. The first episode features a compelling story from former NHLer Jim Thomson. It can be heard at podomatic.com/podcasts/checkyourselfexpressyourself.
“The idea with T-shirts is to get the conversation going. I’m hoping something in the podcast might touch you. I hope to inspire others,” he said.
Walleye coach Dan Watson said he supports Burkholder using his platform to get the word out on such important social issues.
“He is trying to get people to discuss things they may not want to talk about and make it comfortable,” Watson said. “He is raising awareness any way he can. I think it’s a strong effort.”
Burkholder joined the staff of former Storm coach Nick Vitucci before the 2003-04 season. Burkholder and Vitucci, who also coached the Walleye their first five seasons, grew up in Welland.
Burkholder is responsible for finding and recruiting players. He compiles a database of junior players he sees working in the OHL. Burkholder speaks with Watson about once per week but they’ve talked more frequently this offseason becase of a Walleye team undergoing a significant roster change.
“I just try to provide as much information as I can. I get to know the players by talking to their teammates and coaches,” Burkholder said. “I know their off-ice character as well. We want players that will fit the Walleye organization.
“Our expectations are high. We will be competitive. I fantasize about bringing that Kelly Cup to Toledo.”
Burkholder does color commentary for the IceDogs in season. The position allows him to evaluate all of the players in the major junior hockey league.
“Ed has a real good pulse on what’s happening in the OHL,” Watson said. “He sees a lot of teams come through. He also watches a lot of NCAA hockey. He helps lead us to players that fit who we are trying to become as a team.”
The IceDogs are in St. Catharines, Ont., about 35 miles northwest of Buffalo.
“It’s a good organization, just like the Walleye,” Watson said. “It’s a good opportunity to use that platform to get the word out — that you’re not alone in the fight.”
Burkholder said cancer goes hand in hand with anxiety and depression.
“You can lose someone to cancer and that can create depression. It’s tough. There is fear. We need that outlet. We need to be able to share those feelings,” he said.
Burkholder’s father, Murray, died when Ed was 21 from cancer of the kidney and liver. Five years later, Ed was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
“I remember being embarrassed. I waited two weeks,” Ed said. “I ended up having the most aggressive form [of cancer]. It had already spread to my lymph nodes. If I had waited another two weeks, I would have been done.
“Don’t be embarrassed. Check yourself. Call your doctor. We’re trying to get rid of that stigma. I had pain and a lump. But that’s not always the case. The earlier you find it, you have a much better chance of beating it.”
Burkholder said the climate has changed a bit and cancer no longer is a taboo subject. He said the hockey world has stepped up with “Pink in the Rink” events for breast cancer awareness and “Movember” for prostate cancer awareness.
“I think that has saved thousands of lives,” Burkholder said. “We’ve come a long way.”
Burkholder, who has more information on his website, EdBurkholder.com, said a stigma remains surrounding the topic of depression.
“My point with mental illness is that it is a physical thing as well,” Burkholder said. “No one should ever suffer in silence. We just need to make small changes and be more aware of the people beside us. Plug in and let’s talk about it. We all get down. You want to know you have some people in your corner.”
In the United States, an estimated 16.1 million adults, or 6.7 percent of the population, has experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health.
“It’s a different world now. Put down your phone. Connect with a person,” Burkholder said. “It’s important to be plugged into each other. It goes a long way. Right off the bat, you feel someone cares. It gives you the opportunity to share and say what is on your mind. It’s one thing to have the awareness and another to implement it.”
A campaign started in Canada in 2010 called Bell Let’s Talk aimed at talking about mental illness has gained traction on Twitter. Millions of Canadians, including personalities, have openly discussed the uncomfortable topic. The group’s website is letstalk.bell.ca. Bell Let’s Talk has raised more than $93.5 million that has been donated to mental health programs.
Burkholder’s Check Yourself, Express Yourself podcast is available on iTunes and Podomatic, and will be available on Google Play later this month. Thomson, who played for six NHL teams, discusses his struggle to overcame an addiction to drugs at the age of 14 on the initial show.
While the first episode features a hockey player, Burkholder said the podcast will not be limited to hockey personalities.
“We have guests lined up from different walks of life,” Burkholder said. “We plan to release one once a month.”
Burkholder hopes the open discussions are cathartic and inspirational. He said kindness and the willingness to listen can go along way in helping those with depression and anxiety.
“Everyone has a story. What is yours?” Burkholder said. “My goal is to get people to be able to share. I hope these stories will inspire others to share.”
Contact Mark Monroe at: mmonroe@theblade.com, 419-724-6354, or on Twitter @MonroeBlade.
First Published July 17, 2018, 8:51 p.m.
