Kelly Hrudey Health Issues, Career & Family Facts

When Kelly Hrudey first spoke publicly about his anxiety, he wasn’t sure how his hockey peers would react. That was in 2016, years after he’d stopped playing — and his candor helped spark a broader conversation about mental health in professional sports.

Born: January 13, 1961 ·
NHL Seasons: 15 (1983–1998) ·
Teams: Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks ·
Stanley Cup Finals: 1993 (with Kings) ·
Current Role: Broadcaster, Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada ·
Mental Health Advocacy: Public speaker since 2016

Sixteen key facts, one pattern: Hrudey’s biography is a layered narrative of athletic achievement, broadcast success, and evolving personal vulnerability.

Does Kelly Hrudey have health issues?

What illness does Kelly Hrudey have?

Hrudey has been open about his mental health struggles. In a 2020 interview with CBC Sports (Canada’s public broadcaster), he discussed experiencing anxiety and depression, both during and after his playing career. He has not publicly disclosed a specific clinical diagnosis such as POTS; that condition is reported to affect a family member, not Hrudey himself.

Kelly Hrudey mental health struggles

According to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (men’s wellness non-profit), Hrudey became a National Champion in 2022 to help “more men access mental health support.” He has spoken candidly about the pressure of hockey culture and the importance of asking for help. The PGA of Alberta (professional golf educators) notes that he represents multiple foundations working to end stigma.

The implication: Hrudey’s openness about his mental health struggles has reshaped how hockey culture addresses vulnerability, but the specifics of his family’s medical history remain private.

Where does Kelly Hrudey live now?

Current residence

Hrudey resides in British Columbia, Canada, with his wife Donna. He has not publicly provided a specific city, but several profiles mention the province as his home base.

Past homes during NHL career

During his time with the Los Angeles Kings (1983–1996), he lived in Southern California. Later, while playing for the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks, he maintained residences in those metro areas.

Family life in British Columbia

Hrudey and Donna have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Lindsay. The family has been a consistent presence in his narrative, especially as he shifted into broadcasting and advocacy. Multiple interviews describe a close-knit household that supported his post-hockey identity.

The pattern: Hrudey’s relocation to British Columbia reflects a broader shift in priorities from professional hockey to family and health, mirroring his advocacy work.

How long did Kelly Hrudey play in the NHL?

NHL career timeline

Most records indicate a 15-year NHL career from 1983 to 1998. However, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (men’s wellness non-profit) describes a “17-year NHL career,” a discrepancy likely caused by counting seasons that include his time in the minor leagues or early draft years. The most consistent figure among official sources is 15 seasons.

Teams and seasons

• Los Angeles Kings (1983–1996) – 13 seasons
• New York Islanders (1996–1998) – 2 seasons
• San Jose Sharks (1998) – final season

Notable playoff performances

Hrudey’s most famous playoff run came in 1993 when the Kings reached the Stanley Cup Finals. He started 20 games that postseason, posting a 2.53 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage, according to ESPN (sports statistics leader).

The catch: The discrepancy in career length highlights the difficulty in defining an athlete’s tenure across different stages of their hockey journey.

Did Kelly Hrudey play with Gretzky?

Teammate with Wayne Gretzky

Yes. Hrudey and Wayne Gretzky were teammates on the Los Angeles Kings from Gretzky’s arrival in 1988 until Hrudey’s departure in 1996. The The Hockey Writers (independent hockey outlet) confirms that Hrudey was the Kings’ starting goaltender during the Gretzky era.

1993 playoff run

Together they reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993, where the Kings lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Hrudey started every playoff game that spring.

Impact on Hrudey’s career

Playing alongside the game’s greatest scorer elevated Hrudey’s profile and gave him a platform that later translated into his broadcasting career. As PGA of Alberta (professional golf educators) notes, Hrudey’s analysis benefits from his experience in high-stakes games with elite teammates.

Who is Kelly Hrudey’s wife?

Donna Hrudey

Hrudey married Donna in 1985. She has been a constant presence in his life, supporting his career transitions from player to broadcaster and then to mental health advocate. While Donna stays out of the public eye, Hrudey has credited her with providing stability during his darkest periods.

Marriage and family

The couple has two daughters: Kaitlyn and Lindsay. The Hrudeys have spoken about how their family has navigated health challenges, including a family member’s condition related to POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). That experience helped fuel Hrudey’s advocacy.

Support in mental health advocacy

Donna’s role is frequently mentioned alongside Hrudey’s public speaking. In interviews, Hrudey describes her as a “rock” who encouraged him to seek help and later to share his story with the public.

Related reading

• Connor Hellebuyck: Biography, Salary, Wife, Stats, and More – Another NHL goaltender’s story with career and mental health context.
• Brock Boeser: Trade Rumors, Contract, Wife, Career Stats – A current NHL player’s profile, useful for comparing off-ice advocacy.

For the hockey community, the choice is clear: embrace Hrudey’s model of openness, or continue struggling in silence. The former NHL goaltender has shown that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s the kind of strength that saves lives.