'I needed that,' Sam Girard says time away from team was necessary
The Avalanche defenseman spoke about his time in the assistance program and how he's changed for the better from it.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports - 'I needed that,' Sam Girard says time away from team was necessaryColorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is expected to play his first game since returning to the team after a month in the NHL's Player Assistance Program on New Year's Eve against the San Jose Sharks.
Girard entered the program on Nov. 24 and released a statement about his anxiety and depression issues that led to alcohol abuse.
The 25-year-old rejoined the Avs on Dec. 21 but was considered injured reserve until he and the team felt he was ready to play. He said on Saturday that it felt good to be back with the team but he needed the help and time away.
"Just tired of hiding everything, hiding stuff at one point just became too much for me," Girard told media after practice on Saturday. "I had to talk about it, and I knew there were other people outside that was feeling the same thing. Feels good to talk about it and if you need some help it's ok to reach for some help — that's something that I learned over there."
The Quebec native has four points in 15 games this season. His absence has been felt by his teammates and they are excited to have him back.
"Big boost for us, not only on the ice, but also in the locker room He's a great guy and great friend to a lot of guys in this room," Bowen Byram told The Hockey News' Colleen Flynn. "We're all super excited that he's back. He went and did what he needed to do, and it takes a big man to do that so we're all very proud of him and just happy to have him back with us."
Girard said he is "a new person" after treatment and has "found himself" with the help he received. The team, along with his friends and family, provided support for him through the process. He also appreciated the fans standing behind him through his challenging time.
"All the guys were super supportive ... friends and the fan as well," Girard said. "Obviously on social media I heard a lot of good things, so it's nice to know everybody is behind me."
It is most likely that Girard will pair up with Byram — shifting him back to the right — so that may take a shift or two to get comfortable again.
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