Alex Galchenyuk Apologizes to Police, Enters NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

Days following the arrest and termination of his contract with the Arizona Coyotes, Alex Galchenyuk speaks out and takes responsibility for his actions.

Alex Galchenyuk is entering the NHL and NHLPA’s player assistance program following his arrest leading to his contract termination with the Arizona Coyotes.

The 29-year-old was arrested on July 9 for a number of charges including private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest and threatening or intimidating. He was also seen directing violent threats and racial slurs at Scottsdale police officers.

Galchenyuk issued an apology statement to his twitter on Tuesday:

"Dear Coyotes leadership, my teammates and the fans,

My behaviour last week was deeply offensive, uncalled for, horrendous, embarrassing, disrespectful and just plain awful. I let you all down and I am truly sorry.

While this behavior after drinking alcohol is not representative of who I am, I do have to take responsibility for it. My actions have cost me my chance to do what I love, play professional hockey. I was very much looking forward to starting my life with my wife here in Arizona, playing alongside some of the best in the NHL and entertaining the incredible fan base the Coyotes have built here.

By checking myself into the NHL / NHLPA Assistance Program, I hope to get the help I need and to ensure I never make a mistake like this again.

Again, I am sorry I let you down and I hope over time and with hard work, I can show all of you lam a better person than this horrendous moment.

Sincerely, Alex Galchenyuk."

Galchenyuk signed a one-year two-way contract on July 1 with the Coyotes just days before his arrest. Upon hearing about the incident, the Coyotes were quick to cut ties with Galchenyuk and condemn his actions.

“We are aware of the incident involving Alex Galchenyuk and strongly condemn this type of behavior,” the Coyotes said in a statement on July 14. “Once the Club was made aware of the allegations, we immediately began the process of terminating his Standard Player’s Contract through the proper channels in conjunction with the National Hockey League. As a result, the Arizona Coyotes today have exercised the team’s right to terminate the contract of Alex Galchenyuk due to a material breach of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract. The Club will have no further comment at this time.”

In 654 total NHL games, Galchenyuk has 146 goals, 208 assists and 354 points. He has played for the Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche.