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BREAKING: Avalanche Star Enters Players Assistance Program

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Tyler Ball
November 24, 2023  (6:47 PM)
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Today it has been announced that a Colorado Avalanche player has entered the Player Assistance Program.

Avalanche Defenseman Enters Player Assistance Program

Today the Colorado Avalanche and the NHL announced that defenseman Samuel Girard has entered the Player Assistance Program.

Avalanche's Samuel Girard to receive care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association announced today that Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche will be unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he receives care from the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL.

Under the terms of the joint program, Girard will continue to be paid while receiving treatment. He will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

It was recently announced that Girard was stepping away from the team for personal reasons. Since the announcement, Girard has provided a statement on his health and well-being.

"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. 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."

We wish Girard all the best and hope to see him back on the ice again soon.