Unfortunately, people often have to face serious problems, both physical and mental. Although hockey players earn much more than most fans, they are people too. And the problems are not overlooked either.
The other day it became known about the serious problems of Colorado’s main defender, the winner of the 2022 Stanley Cup, Samuel Girard.
The club initially issued a statement noting that the Canadian was enrolled in the NHLPA and the NHL Player Assistance Program and would not be able to play for the Avalanche for an indefinite period.
“Under the terms of the joint program, Girard will continue to receive a salary during treatment. He will return to the club when cleared by program administrators for NHL games,” the message read.
Samuel Girard
Photo: Mark Zaleski/AP Photo/TASS
Girard’s father, Tony, then made a statement about his son; It was not very clear, but it was obvious: the problem was very serious.
“Friends and people from all over the world!
Earlier this week, the Colorado Avalanche issued a press release stating that Samuel would be out for personal reasons. Following this post, I want to emphasize that only the club can comment on Sam’s situation. As parents, we respect this advice, knowing that Sam is in good hands.
However, just to reassure everyone, we can tell you that we are in contact with him and he finds his messages about his speedy recovery very touching. Our man is a fighter, a great fighter, and he will always honor our region and all of Quebec. Hockey is still his great passion!
As soon as the team receives more information about your health, they will inform you. Until then, we ask that you please respect Samuel and us and continue to send him positive messages, hoping that he returns to the game as soon as possible,” the message read.
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Many fans and journalists began to actively discuss: what happened to the leader of the Avalanche defense? The TVA Sports publication revealed the details and reported that Girard is being examined at a specialized clinic.
“It seems that Girard has been suffering from recurring headaches for some time. He is currently being examined at a specialized clinic in the United States. It’s too early to tell if it’s a concussion or another problem.
The same source indicated that Girard’s indefinite absence is strictly athletic and that he may have returned to the game too soon.
His coach, Jared Bednar, attributed the point guard’s absence to personal reasons on Wednesday.
“We’re in the dark, which is certainly a concern,” said Samuel’s uncle, Roger Boutin, who was about to play his game in an adult recreational league,” TVA Sports reported.
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However, Girard himself quickly broke the silence. And he told the terrible thing: that he had serious mental problems that led him to abuse alcohol.
“I made an important decision to take care of my mental health. I will receive treatment for long-untreated anxiety and depression that led to alcohol abuse.
Taking care of your mental health is of utmost importance. I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help if they feel they need it.
“I want to express my gratitude to my wife, family, friends, the club, my teammates and fans for their patience, understanding and continued support,” Girard wrote.
***
On November 16, Samuel rejoiced with his first goal of the season. The defender fought on the spot and put the puck in the goal, thus starting Anaheim’s 8:2 win.
“I’m very happy with the way I’m playing. Sometimes bad bounces happen. But I played pretty well,” Girard told The Hockey News a day later, on Nov. 17…
The defenseman, who is only 25 years old and facing his seventh season with Colorado, is already a true veteran of the team. The Canadian played 15 games this season, scoring 4 (1+3) points with a utility score of -7.
Samuel Girard
Photo: Andy Clayton-King/AP Photo/TASS
“Girard is an important part of our team and we will miss him. All the guys on defense really had to tighten their belts to make up for his absence,” Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram said after Samuel’s mysterious disappearance from the lineup.
“Girard signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with a $5 million cap hit on July 19, 2019. Despite his small size, he is a quick defender who can easily capitalize on opportunities while still using his size against opponents. . He is active on defense, puts pressure on opponents and helps turn the game into an offensive one with accurate shots and good court vision to find passing opportunities,” Girard describes to The Hockey Writers.
The Canadian defenseman’s peak came in the 2022 playoffs. Although only seven games were played, Girard took on leadership responsibilities in time and inspired his teammates with his active power play. The defenseman even suffered a serious injury in the second-round series against St. Louis, when Ivan Barbashev used a strong power move against him. Girard was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken sternum.
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The playoffs were over for Samuel, but the defenseman’s credit for winning the Stanley Cup was great.
“During the 2022 playoffs, when the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, Girard helped the team in terms of depth during that short period, scoring two points in seven games. He finished the 2022-23 season with six goals and 37 points in 76 games and a reminder of what he can do when he is healthy and at his best,” continues The Hockey Writers.
Now Girard will have to undergo treatment again. But this time it is more serious, because mental problems often affect more than physical ones.
***
“Behind all the stellar shooting, agile skating and brilliant saves, there is a dark side in the form of serious injuries that can seriously affect a hockey player’s career and health. It’s one thing to see a player receive bruises or fractures in various parts of the body, but seeing a hockey player need not only physical but also mental help to recover is also painful. The brain is more difficult to heal than the body and often requires more than medication and recovery.
Not long ago, Bowen Byram needed a player assistance program to help him deal with his injuries and problems. Due to multiple concussions and serious issues with the fallout from COVID-19, many feared for his still-fledgling career. “We all hope that Girard receives the help and attention he needs to return to hockey a better player than ever and help the Avalanche as he has for the past seven years,” concludes The Hockey Writers.
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Fortunately, Colorado understands Girard’s situation and is trying to help and support him.
“When you’re in the spotlight, it’s even harder to come out and say you need help. This only concerns you and your family. When everyone knows it, it takes more courage.
We had. We fully support what you are going through and your decision to join the program and get help. You have to take care of yourself first before you come and help the team. We miss him and are very happy to have him returning in the future. We don’t know exactly when this will happen, but we will support it. “We haven’t had many conversations or personal interactions with him at this point, but we hope it makes him feel like a part of our team,” Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said.
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By the age of 25, Girard had already played more than four hundred games in the NHL. He has 431 games and 185 (29 + 156) points. Colorado will be difficult without Samuel.
However, now there is something more important. Both for the team and for Girard himself.
“Sometimes there are more important things in life than sports. You, the reader, can determine where you stand on these particular topics, but one topic that is probably considered more important than sports is the topic of addictions and mental health. This particular case poses a serious problem since it involves Colorado and one of her family members.
While this leaves a void in Colorado’s secondary, the biggest concern is obviously Samuel’s health and well-being, as he will be out indefinitely to get the help he needs.
Playing hockey is not as important as Girard’s overall health and we wish him the best in his fight. Whether he returns to play hockey this season, next season or ever again, we are much more concerned about Sam as a person and hope he gets the help he needs and can continue to live a productive and fulfilling life for the sake of you and your family. ” writes Mile High Sticking.
Samuel Girard
Photo: Jeff Roberson/AP Photo/TASS
It is always very sad to read about these types of problems and realize once again how serious mental difficulties can be.
However, it is precisely these sad stories that remind us that ignoring internal problems leads to even more serious consequences. Attempts to drown them with alcohol only aggravate the situation and complicate treatment. And furthermore, they cause new addictions.
Of course, many people cannot afford quality treatment. No one will be fired from work, especially here, where mental illnesses are still not taken into account, where people with psychological or mental problems are perceived as abnormal. And thus they make life more difficult for them, as well as for those who feel that something is wrong, but are afraid to go to a specialist, just so as not to be branded as “psychopaths.”
Furthermore, no one will be released with their salary intact.
But even in such conditions, it is important to take care of your mental health. Leave what aggravates the problem, whether it’s a bothersome job or a harmful addiction. Don’t try to solve problems with new bad habits. Just do what you can.
Don’t repeat Girard’s mistakes.
And wish you to successfully overcome the nightmare that you have already had to face and that you will still have to face. Well, follow his advice: don’t be afraid, ask for help and also support those who showed courage by talking about their internal problems and deciding to fight back.
THE NAIS IS OFFICIAL EDITOR ON NAIS NEWS