“I started drinking for fun. I was going out with the guys, I was having fun. »
In the second part of his stint on the podcast The Blue Pocketmade public Wednesday evening, Carey Price returned to the reasons which led him to enter the assistance program of the NHL and the Players Association in October 2021.
The 35-year-old, introverted by nature, experienced “a lot of social anxiety” when he found himself in large groups at parties. “You wouldn’t think that, but that’s the way I am. It led me to drink excessively,” he says.
“I woke up Sunday morning thinking I wouldn’t do it again, but I did it all the time. I came to a point in my life where I really had to quit. It was a good time to ask for help. »
Once enrolled in the program, the Cerberus had two options: go to a center, or follow his therapy at home. He chose the first option.
“I found it was better for me to take a step back, step away and put my brain back to off. I went to a place where I felt comfortable. »
“Where I went there were very smart, very functional people that you would never think they could get in trouble. To hear stories, to compare myself to other people who were going through everyday situations… To be able to put my brain to off and empowering myself has really changed my life. »
Goaltender says there’s “nothing wrong” with asking for help when you need it, saying the hardest part for “a lot of NHL players” is coping to a possible judgement.
“Once you get over that and understand that people don’t judge you, you can be proud and be yourself when you go out. »
Subban, “entertaining”
Asked about his chemistry with P.K. Subban, who will be honored Thursday night at the Bell Centre, Price was very complimentary.
“P.K. was one of those guys that was easy to talk to. When he was on the team, everything was entertaining. I always appreciated the energy he brought to the team. He always had a positive attitude, was always happy to be in the arena. I missed it when he left. »
With his dazzling personality, P.K. “changed the mold” of the NHL, where “everyone was so conservative,” believes the Habs goaltender.
The latter also returned to the opening match of the CH, last October, while the crowd paid him a vibrant tribute. Cowboy hat on his head, Price greeted the crowd, moved.
“It’s something I will never forget. It was so much love. It’s always nice to hear your name echoing in the amphitheater, but this was different. It was a real feeling of appreciation. It felt good because I needed it. »