Ryan Reaves, the Minnesota Wild enforcer, recently made a bold move when he decided that the smelling salts he received before games weren't strong enough. The NHL player requested a stronger version of the pungent stimulant to give him an extra boost of energy before hitting the ice.
However, Reaves quickly learned that being stronger is not always better. After inhaling a particularly potent smelling salt, he almost vomited twice and was left with a pounding headache. In an interview with Michael Russo of the Athletic, Reaves admitted that his decision to seek out a stronger version of the popular game-day ritual had backfired.
The use of smelling salts has become a common practice among athletes in various sports, particularly hockey players. The idea behind the practice is that the ammonia in the salt stimulates the body's nervous system and increases alertness and performance. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
Ryan Reaves' experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, pushing the limits can have unintended consequences. In a supercut video of hockey players reacting to smelling salt, many players can be seen gasping for air, coughing and even tearing up after inhaling the fumes.
Reaves' decision to seek out stronger smelling salts may have resulted in a less-than-pleasant game-day experience. Perhaps next time, he'll think twice before requesting an even more potent version of the popular ritual.
Ryan Reaves' partial season with the Minnesota Wild: A rollercoaster ride
Ryan Reaves, the veteran forward for the Minnesota Wild, recently scored his fifth goal of the season in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The goal was a testament to Reaves' improved performance since being traded from the New York Rangers earlier in the season.
After going pointless in his first 12 games with the Rangers, Reaves has since registered 14 points in 53 games with the Wild. He's also engaged in four fights and accumulated 24 penalty minutes, showcasing his physical presence on the ice.
While Reaves' career-high of nine goals and 20 points may be out of reach this season, he's brought much-needed energy to the Wild's lineup. His experience and toughness have made him a valuable addition to the team, and his recent goal is proof that he can still contribute offensively as well.
At 36 years old, Ryan Reaves' NHL career has been filled with scrappy play and hard hits. But he's proven that he can still keep up with the younger players and make an impact on the ice. And with his rejuvenated performances in Minnesota, it's clear that he's not ready to hang up his skates just yet.