Montreal’s 3 Million Coaches Should Decide as Toxic Fans Target Players Online

It’s a Monday night in late April, and while the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run might feel like a world away from the streets of Chicago, the ripple effects of professional sports—both the triumphs and the tribulations—have a way of landing closer to home than we reckon. For the thousands of hockey fans in the Windy City, Kirby Dach’s name carries weight. Once a promising young center for the Blackhawks, his trade to Montreal in 2022 was met with mixed reactions, but no one could’ve predicted the storm that would follow his costly mistake in Game 2 of the Canadiens’ playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The backlash wasn’t just confined to the ice or the Bell Centre; it spilled into the digital realm, exposing a darker side of fandom that resonates far beyond Quebec. And if you’re a Chicagoan who’s ever played a sport, coached a team, or even just yelled at the TV during a Blackhawks game, this story hits uncomfortably close to home.

What happened to Dach isn’t just about hockey. It’s about the pressure cooker of expectations that athletes face, the way social media amplifies criticism into harassment, and the fine line between holding players accountable and crossing into outright abuse. For a city like Chicago—where sports are woven into the fabric of daily life, from the pickup games at Warren Park to the heated debates at the local taproom—this moment serves as a stark reminder of how quickly passion can turn toxic. And it raises a critical question: When the game ends, who’s left to pick up the pieces?

The Play That Sparked a Firestorm

Let’s rewind to the moment that changed everything. In overtime of Game 2, with the Canadiens and Lightning locked in a 2-2 battle, Dach attempted a clearing play that resulted in an icing call. The puck trickled past the Tampa blue line, but the Canadiens couldn’t capitalize, and the Lightning capitalized on the ensuing defensive-zone faceoff. Moments later, Dach failed to cover J.J. Moser, who slipped behind the Montreal defense and buried the game-winning goal. The sequence was a microcosm of playoff hockey: one mistake, one lapse in focus, and suddenly, a player’s reputation is on the line.

But the fallout wasn’t confined to the ice. Within hours, Dach and his partner, Jordan Vanderveen, deactivated their Instagram accounts after facing a barrage of direct messages, personal insults, and even threats. The abuse wasn’t just directed at Dach’s performance; it targeted his personal life, his relationship, and his character. And while the Canadiens’ playoff run has been a story of resilience under head coach Martin St. Louis, this incident has overshadowed the team’s on-ice achievements, forcing a conversation about the boundaries of fan engagement in the digital age.

When Passion Crosses the Line

Paul Bissonnette, the former NHL enforcer turned podcast host, didn’t mince words when addressing the backlash against Dach. On the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, he called out the fans who sent abusive messages, labeling them “clowns” and questioning their motives. “When you DM guys, that’s you’re a fucking idiot,” Bissonnette said. “You’ve got problems. … and they were DMing his [expletive] girlfriend or fiancée or wife. I don’t know, she had to [expletive] take her social media down.” His frustration wasn’t just about the abuse; it was about the lack of empathy for a player who was already under immense pressure.

For Chicagoans, this moment might feel familiar. The city has its own history of sports-related vitriol, from the Cubs’ World Series drought to the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup hangover. But the difference between healthy criticism and outright harassment often comes down to one thing: accountability. In a city where sports are a communal experience—whether it’s tailgating at Soldier Field or debating trades at the local bar—it’s easy to forget that the players on the screen are human beings with families, insecurities, and lives outside the arena.

St. Louis, the Canadiens’ head coach, defended Dach in the aftermath, emphasizing the pressure players face in high-stakes moments. “None of us truly understand what goes on behind closed doors with the coaching staff and the players,” he said. It’s a sentiment that resonates beyond hockey. Whether you’re a youth coach in Lincoln Park or a weekend warrior at the Chicago Sports Complex, the weight of expectations can be crushing. And in an era where every mistake is dissected in real time on social media, the line between constructive criticism and outright abuse has never been blurrier.

The Broader Implications for Chicago’s Sports Culture

Chicago’s sports culture is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a source of pride, a unifying force that brings together neighborhoods as diverse as Rogers Park and Bridgeport. On the other, it can be a breeding ground for toxicity, where the passion of fandom crosses into personal attacks. The Dach incident is a wake-up call for local fans, coaches, and even parents of young athletes. How do we foster a culture that holds players accountable without dehumanizing them? How do we teach the next generation of fans—and athletes—to engage with sports in a way that’s passionate but not destructive?

For local organizations like the Chicago Youth Hockey Association, this moment is an opportunity to reinforce the values of sportsmanship. Programs that emphasize respect, both on and off the ice, can help shape a healthier sports culture. Similarly, initiatives like the Chicago Sports Commission, which promotes positive fan engagement, can play a role in shifting the narrative. Even local bars and sports pubs—where debates often get heated—can set the tone by encouraging respectful discourse. After all, the way we talk about sports says a lot about who we are as a community.

But the responsibility doesn’t just lie with institutions. It’s on each of us as fans to recognize the impact of our words. Social media has given everyone a platform, but with that power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. A tweet or a DM might seem like a small thing in the moment, but for the person on the receiving end, it can feel like a tidal wave. In a city where sports are a way of life, it’s worth asking: Are we building each other up, or tearing each other down?

The Human Cost of High-Stakes Sports

Dach’s decision to step away from social media isn’t just about avoiding criticism; it’s about protecting his mental health. The pressure to perform in professional sports is immense, and the added weight of online harassment can push athletes to their breaking point. For Chicagoans who’ve experienced the highs and lows of local sports—whether as players, coaches, or fans—this moment is a reminder that the stakes extend far beyond the scoreboard.

Consider the youth athletes in Chicago who look up to players like Dach. What message does it send when a professional athlete is forced to retreat from social media because of abuse? How does it affect their own relationship with the game? Organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance, which has a strong presence in Chicago, function to counteract this toxicity by promoting a “double-goal” approach: striving to win while also teaching life lessons. But the Dach incident shows that there’s still work to be done.

For parents of young athletes, this is a teachable moment. It’s an opportunity to talk to kids about the importance of resilience, empathy, and the dangers of online harassment. It’s also a chance to model healthy behavior as fans. After all, the way we engage with sports—whether it’s at the United Center or the local rink—shapes the next generation of athletes and fans.

Where Do We Proceed From Here?

The Dach incident isn’t just a hockey story; it’s a cultural one. And for a city like Chicago, where sports are deeply intertwined with identity, it’s a call to action. The question is: How do we move forward in a way that preserves the passion of fandom while protecting the people who make the games possible?

One answer lies in community. Chicago has a long history of rallying around its teams, but it also has a responsibility to hold itself accountable. That means calling out abusive behavior when we witness it, whether it’s in the stands at the United Center or in the comments section of a social media post. It means supporting organizations that promote positive sports culture, like the Chicago Sports Foundation, which works to make sports accessible and inclusive for all.

It also means recognizing that athletes are more than just their performance. They’re people with families, fears, and flaws. And in a city where sports are a way of life, it’s on all of us to ensure that the love of the game doesn’t reach at the expense of the people who play it.

If This Hits Home in Chicago, Here’s Who You Need to Know

Given my background in sports journalism and community engagement, I’ve seen firsthand how moments like this can ripple through a city. If you’re a Chicagoan who’s concerned about the culture of sports—whether you’re a parent, a coach, or just a fan who wants to make a difference—here are three types of local professionals who can help you navigate this conversation and take action in your community.

Sports Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals

These experts specialize in the mental and emotional challenges that athletes face, from performance anxiety to the pressures of social media. If you’re a parent of a young athlete or a coach looking to foster a healthier environment, working with a sports psychologist can provide tools to build resilience and coping strategies. Look for professionals who:

• Have experience working with athletes at all levels, from youth sports to professionals.
• Are affiliated with reputable organizations like the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) or the American Psychological Association (APA).
• Offer workshops or seminars for teams, schools, or community organizations on topics like mental toughness, stress management, and healthy fan engagement.

Youth Sports Coaches and Program Directors

Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of sports for young athletes. If you’re involved in youth sports—whether as a parent, volunteer, or organizer—partnering with coaches who prioritize sportsmanship and positive reinforcement can make a lasting impact. When hiring or collaborating with a coach, look for:

• Certifications from organizations like USA Hockey, Positive Coaching Alliance, or the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS).
• A coaching philosophy that emphasizes character development, teamwork, and respect over winning at all costs.
• Experience in creating inclusive environments where all athletes feel valued, regardless of skill level.

Community Organizers and Nonprofit Leaders

Local nonprofits and community organizations are often at the forefront of promoting positive sports culture. Whether it’s through after-school programs, sports clinics, or fan engagement initiatives, these leaders can help shift the narrative around how we interact with sports. When seeking out these professionals, prioritize those who:

• Have a track record of working with diverse communities and age groups in Chicago.
• Partner with schools, parks, and local businesses to create accessible sports programs.
• Focus on using sports as a tool for social change, whether it’s through anti-bullying campaigns, mental health awareness, or youth development.