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Withdrawing from amateur Junior ice hockey as a means for optimizing leisure experiences

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore amateur Junior ice hockey players’ opportunities to explore leisure interests when pursuing and after withdrawing from Junior level hockey. Participants consisted of 14 former amateur Junior ice hockey players. Each took part in a semi-structured interview. Findings suggested that the demands associated with Junior level hockey can lead to living a less than optimal leisure lifestyle and limited opportunities to explore other leisure interests. Participants had different approaches in their pursuit of Junior hockey, as some voluntarily neglected other leisure interests, while others felt obliged to participate in hockey and developed a negative perception towards hockey. After withdrawing from Junior hockey, participants perceived their leisure lifestyle as optimal and were able to explore and develop new leisure interests. Withdrawing from sport was not associated with negative consequences for former athletes and became an opportune way for participants to optimize their leisure lifestyle.