Hockey players aren't just role models that are looked up to on the ice, many of them do great things off it as well to give back to communities, groups, and organisations.
Taylor Vause has been one of Vienna's top forwards in the EBEL the past two seasons, but the Canadian received life-changing news some 9.5 years ago when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. While he still continues to put up big points on the ice, he's also started his own volunteer initiative off it - Taylor's Type 1s, to help children suffering from the same disease. We wanted to find out a little more about it.
"Back when I was diagnosed and learning the disease, I had various people reaching out and contacting me within the hockey world including former NHLers Bobby Clarke and Nick Boynton. It was pretty amazing to get a call from them and hear what they had to say," explained Vause, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2009. "I immediately had the fear that I'd have to stop my hockey career, and so it was really important for me to hear 'hey, things are going to be ok and will work out'."
"These guys called me and told me that my career wasn't over, I was going to be alright and that it's something I can play through and work to my advantage. It was just a huge help. It's not the easiest thing to deal with, but diabetes doesn't have to get in the way and we (as type 1 diabetics) are fortunate that it's something we can manage," he added. "My first year in Vienna was the first year I felt really comfortable with my disease and where I was at with things to be able to start giving back. Taylor's Type 1s is my way of doing that and being able to be an example and answer questions from younger kids, and relate to them."
"I hope I can give these kids some inspiration to know that diabetes doesn't stop you from doing what you want to do"Taylor Vause
So how does Type 1 diabetes affect a hockey player? "I have to be very diligent with everything that I consume. Basically everything that goes into my body I have to keep track of – carbohydrates and sugars, then maintaining my best blood sugar for training and practices. Throughout the day I need to test my blood 8-12 times, and sometimes more if it's a game day," revealed the Calgary native, who arrived in Europe in 2015 with Bolzano. "My planning actually starts the night before, planning background insulin for the next day's activities. If we have a practice, a game, practice + game, gym + game etc. - those all mean different things for my insulin requirements. Then I always have sugar around, and apple juice is usually my go to if my sugars drop. The biggest thing is planning and organising, and to be on a schedule."
"One thing I'm really fortunate to have with Vienna is the understanding of my situation and what I need to be able to perform. They provide me with all the apple juice I need to make it through practises and games!" he revealed. "They may not be able to fully understand what I'm going through, but they know that I am managing it to the best of my ability. They've been really great in helping me with these small things to set me up for the least amount of problems possible."
Looking more at the initiative itself, how does Taylor's Type 1s try to spread its message? "Often with younger kids it's not them, but their parents who have lots of questions to ask. With the kids in general they see me playing so it's a case of 'hey look, he's playing pro hockey, so you can too'. Sometimes they ask questions, especially 'What do you use for sugar?', or I show them my insulin pump, but the biggest thing I find is being able to just be there with them, say hi and have a little conversation." added Vause. "I hope I can give them some inspiration to know diabetes can be managed and doesn't stop you from doing what you want to do. I'm hoping to get more kids coming to our games, and to have the chance to meet with them to talk about diabetes, hockey, or whatever else to make that connection."
He continued: "I've actually been running my own graphic design business on the side. The last two years I've been able to combine my hockey, my design business and my diabetes initiative to design both Capitals Christmas themed jerseys, which helped raise over €21,000 for a kids' Diabetes Camp in Austria run by ÖDV. I was able to go to the camp just outside of Salzburg and it was great to see where the money was going and the kids getting all that support. Sometimes they can feel a little bit different from other kids, so seeing that the money we'd raised through jersey auctions and donations had gone to a really good cause was very cool. I'd love to do another Christmas jersey design if we can, because raising money for those diabetes kids camps is probably the biggest thing we've done so far with Taylor's Type 1s."
Finally, a message for people who might want to get connected? "Taylor's Type 1s is not limited to just Vienna or Austria, I'm open to growing it in any capacity. And I'd love to hear from anyone that reads this who'd like to get in touch!"
Get in touch
You can find out more about Taylor's Type 1s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; or email directly: taylorstype1s@gmail.com.