'I Feel Like I Like My Life Again': Former Avalanche Stanley Cup Champion Reflects on Overcoming Alcoholism

Sam Girard spent nearly eight years in Colorado. He arrived at 19 in the November 2017 trade that sent Matt Duchene to Ottawa, and before long, he was a familiar face on the Avalanche blue line.

There were some great moments along the way. Girard was part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022. He also had a scary end to his playoff run that year, breaking his sternum after a hit from Ivan Barbashev in Game 3 against St. Louis. He missed much of the rest of the playoffs, but was still part of the team that brought the Cup home.

Not everything during those years was easy. Girard dealt with depression, anxiety and alcohol struggles. In November 2023, he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Since then, he has spoken about how much better things have become.

In an interview with Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Girard put it simply: “I feel like I like my life again.”

Colorado was also where life happened away from hockey. He met his wife, Jacklyn, in Denver, and their daughter was born there.

The Avalanche traded Girard to Pittsburgh at last season’s trade deadline. But leaving the team didn’t necessarily mean leaving Denver for good. He and his family decided to move back, and sources who spoke with The Hockey News several months ago said he still owns his home there.

He clearly left an impression on his teammates, too. Nathan MacKinnon had some kind words for him after the trade.

“He’s such a good guy. It sucks losing good people (to a trade) like that. He’s a great teammate,” MacKinnon said, per Yohe.

Girard played a lot of hockey in Colorado. He won a Cup, made friends and built a life there. Even though he’s now with Pittsburgh, it seems Denver will remain home for him and his family.