George Mumford: Unsung Hero of Oilers' Success
George Mumford has been working with the Edmonton Oilers on their mental toughness.
Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports - George Mumford: Unsung Hero of Oilers' SuccessEDMONTON -- George Mumford knows a thing or two about being resilient.
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Mumford has traveled a long and arduous road that has led him to the Edmonton Oilers. He has been lending his services to the team for the 2023-24 season. This is the most underappreciated aspect of the Oilers' success this year.
Mumford himself was an athlete. He was a collegiate basketball player who was forced out of the game due to injuries. Eventually he became addicted to heroin and his life spiraled.
Several decades later, Mumford is an industry-leading Sports Psychologist and Mindfulness expert. Most famously, he has helped Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant transform their careers and become champions.
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His work in mindfulness and meditation first helped his own life - leading him to sobriety. He has maintained that sobriety to this day, many decades later.
With how much Stuart Skinner talks about the mental side of sports, you can see Mumford's fingerprints all over the mindset Skinner has. Skinner consistently speaks about being in the moment and focusing on what he can control - two major pillars of a mindfulness meditation practice.
When the Oilers celebrated their series victory over the Dallas Stars, one keen eyed twitter user caught a glimpse of Mumford having a moment with Skinner. The above clip shows Mumford say, "my man" before the two share a celebratory embrace.
Mumford has spoken on numerous podcasts and written two books: Unlocked, and The Mindful Athlete Book. He also has his own YouTube channel, where he shares short videos to teach anyone (athlete or not) how to be more mindful in your day to day life.
The Oilers are different this year - and more credit needs to be given to Mumford and the work he has done to bring the team to this point.
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