2023-12-30 23:53:00
Quebecer Samuel Girard will return to play with the Colorado Avalanche following his participation in the NHL Player Assistance Program.
The defender informed that he will play Sunday’s duel against the San Jose Sharks in Denver. This will be his first match since November 18.
He joined the program on November 24, citing anxiety and depression leading to alcohol abuse as reasons for seeking help.
“I was just tired of keeping everything to myself, it was too much. I needed to talk about it and I learned during the program that you have to ask for help when you need it,” he admitted after training on Saturday.
The NHL and Players’ Association gave Girard the green light to train with his teammates a few days before Christmas. Originally from Roberval, the 25-year-old guard mentioned that the program helped him greatly and that he thanks all the support he received.
“I’m proud to have gone through the program and I’m excited to be back. I am a new person. I feel lighter in my head and in my body.
“All my teammates offered me support. I don’t follow social media, but I’ve only heard good comments about me. It felt good to have everyone behind me. »
Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2016, Girard has played 426 of 431 games in his career in an Avalanche uniform.
Before sitting out this season, the guard scored one goal and added three assists in 15 games. Last year, he reached personal highs in goals, with six, and in points, with 37 points.
During the Avs’ Stanley Cup victory in 2022, Girard broke his sternum and his series ended early.
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