Carey Price announced on Tuesday that it was to address drinking issues that he took a hiatus from hockey and signed up for the National League and Players’ Association Joint Assistance Program.
In a publication in French and English on his Instagram account, the Canadiens goalkeeper admitted that “in recent years, I have let myself sink into a state of darkness, from which it has become impossible for me to get out without help.”
“Last month, I made the decision to move into a substance abuse treatment center. Things had reached the point where I realized I had to prioritize my health, both for myself and for my family. ”
The news is surprising, because Stéphane Waite, who coached the goalkeepers of the Canadian from 2013 until last March, had categorically denied, at the microphone of 98.5 FM, that Price had consumption problems. “It has nothing to do with drugs, it has nothing to do with alcohol, it has nothing to do with gambling, had hammered Waite. […] He pays attention to his body, to everything he does, everything he drinks. It’s mental, and I know that, I can confirm it to you. He’s a guy who was taking a lot of pressure. ”
Price returned to the team’s entourage this weekend, but has yet to join his teammates on the ice for practice. The date of his return to the game remains unknown.
Price, who is also recovering from knee surgery, must first spend time in the gym, before hopping on the ice with an athletic therapist, then starting work with goalkeeper coach Eric. Raymond. Only after all these stages will he be able to join his teammates for a complete training.
On October 7, the Canadian announced that Price was entering the NHL and Players’ Association assistance program, without specifying the reason. “It’s a minimum of 30 days, but it can be more, then commented the general manager of the Canadian, Marc Bergevin. The important thing is not that for me and the organization. ”
On Instagram, Angela Price, wife of the guardian, then posted a message, stressing that “mental health must come first, not only by saying it, but also by working to become better. That’s what Carey does, for him and for our family, and he makes the best decision for us. ”
With Simon-Olivier Lorange, Press
What is the NHL Assistance Program?
The official name of the NHL and Players’ Association assistance program is the Substance Abuse & Behavioral Health Program (SABH program). As its name suggests, it applies to both consumption problems and a variety of mental health or addiction issues (video games or chance games, for example). It is essentially the equivalent of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered in many workplaces. Access to the program is provided by a 1-800 telephone line. The program is confidential, and if a player does not miss games or practices, he can very well take advantage of it without his team knowing.