Islanders’ Hudson Fasching has learned to prioritize mental health after early-career rough patch

ELMONT, NY — The late fall/early winter of 2016 wasn’t at all enjoyable for Hudson Fasching, then a second-year pro in the Sabres organization, and sidelined with a groin injury in Rochester, New York, the home of Buffalo’s AHL affiliate. We had a sports psychologist on the team, so I just started working with her pretty regularly, and just built some habits out from there.” After the Islanders’ thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 win over Buffalo on March 7 in which he scored the game-winning third-period goal, Fasching mentioned that he often utilizes “meditation and journaling” in his time away from the rink, and he credits that mental health routine for helping him navigate a career that has been up at times, and down at others. That’s my approach.” As an added stress — albeit, a welcome one — Fasching and his wife welcomed a baby girl, Nora, into the world seven months ago. “We’re communicating a lot,” Parise said of playing with Fasching. But the ability to make that play is a key for me.” But even when Fasching errs, or has a rough night, he’s figured out the best way to personally deal with it.