Samuel Girard enters player assistance program for Mental Health care
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is entering the NHL Player Assistance Program for mental health care.
The Nashville Predators selected Girard with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2016 NHL draft. Girard would later be traded early in the 2017 season after only playing five games for the Predators. Girard was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Predators, Avalanche, and Senators revolving around Matt Duchene.
The 25-year-old defenseman hasn’t played since Saturday, November 18th against the Dallas Stars. Girard would post his fourth point of the season by adding an assist on a shot from Andrew Cogliano.
“I have made a proactive decision to take care of my mental health and will be entering treatment for severe anxiety and depression that has gone untreated for too long and led to alcohol abuse,” Girard said through his agency.
“Taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help should you feel like you need it. I want to express my gratitude to my wife, family, friends, the club, my teammates, and the fans for their patience, understanding, and continued support.”
There is no timetable for Girard’s return from the player assistance program at this moment, but it is important he gets the help he needs.
Colorado is set to play their division rivals, the Minnesota Wild this evening (11/24) at 7:30 pm CT. After their matchup against the Wild, the Avalanche will be at home for two games against the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning before heading on a three-game west coast road trip.
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