The franchise was in a precarious position when Jeff Jackson joined the Oilers in August as CEO of Hockey Operations. It was “Stanley Cup or bust” for elite players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in 2024 following their respective heartbreaking playoff exits the previous spring.
“With where everyone is at in their career,” McDavid remarked. “It’s time.”
Before accepting the position in the front office, Jackson worked as McDavid’s longstanding agent, thus he has the best knowledge of the biggest player in hockey. Jackson started reading Phil Jackson’s book Eleven Rings while doing research.
One name that kept popping up was George Mumford, a well-known sports psychologist and meditation instructor.
Mumford was asked by Phil Jackson to work with his Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls teams, which went
The franchise was in a precarious position when Jeff Jackson joined the Oilers in August as CEO of Hockey Operations. It was “Stanley Cup or bust” for elite players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in 2024 following their respective heartbreaking playoff exits the previous spring.
“With where everyone is at in their career,” McDavid remarked. “It’s time.”
Before accepting the position in the front office, Jackson worked as McDavid’s longstanding agent, thus he has the best knowledge of the biggest player in hockey. Jackson started reading Phil Jackson’s book Eleven Rings while doing research.
One name that kept popping up was George Mumford, a well-known sports psychologist and meditation instructor.
Mumford was asked by Phil Jackson to work with his Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls teams, which went on to win championships.
“Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant didn’t win until they got a flow of their teams,” Jackson stated. “A light bulb then went out. Connor and Leon are similar to MJ and [Scottie] Pippen, Kobe, and Shaq[uille] O’Neal. Perhaps his method might be useful. This individual is essential.”
Mumford got a LinkedIn message from Jeff Jackson. Mumford was in high demand ever since his affiliation with Phil Jackson. He was employed with the Knicks from 2014 until 2016. In 2018, he played for the Miami Dolphins for a full year. He has chatted with Fulham FC and Chelsea FC.
He claimed that the majority of his work has been with American collegiate athletes. Mumford said ESPN.com, “I work with executives, doctors, and lawyers.” “From jail to Yale, locker rooms to boardrooms, I’ve done it all.”
The 72-year-old responded to Jackson right away, despite the fact that his time was limited. Mumford had never worked in hockey before, so he was interested by the notion of assisting the greatest player of this generation in realizing his dreams.
Mumford recognized Jordanian traits in McDavid.
They are the most proficient, and they both aspire to be the best. They’ve learned everything, including the foundational principles, but they’re striving for perfection alongside others, according to Mumford. “Playing a team sport may be difficult because other people may not be able to keep up with you, even though they are trying, and this might upset you. [McDavid] is improving, but he still has that humility and desire to do better. That’s the issue, though. There is nothing outside of you to compete with. You’re up against the best version of yourself.
