Goaltender Carey Price has released a statement after he rejoined the Montreal Canadiens this week, providing new details about why he entered the NHL/NHLPA assistance program and what steps he still needs to take.
“Over the last few years I have let myself get to a very dark place and I didn’t have the tools to cope with that struggle,” Price said in the statement. “Last month I made the decision to enter a residential treatment facility for substance use. Things had reached a point that I realized I needed to prioritize my health for both myself and for my family. Asking for help when you need it is what we encourage our kids to do. And it was what I needed to do.”
Price voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA assistance program on Oct. 7 and returned to the team’s facilities on Sunday. In his statement, Price said his timeline to return to the ice is still unclear but that he will continue taking the process “day by day.”
“I am working through years of neglecting my own mental health which will take some time to repair; all I can do is take it day by day. With that comes some uncertainty with when I will return to play,” Price said. “I appreciate all of the overwhelming support and well wishes. I please ask that the media and our hockey community continue to respect our privacy at this time. Your support and respect of this so far has been a critical piece to my recovery.”
