"[I will] get the help I need [to] ensure I never make a mistake like this again," Galchenyuk said.
Alex Galchenyuk issued a statement on Tuesday, apologizing for his actions following his July 9 arrest and officially entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Thursday marked the first time that Galchenyuk said anything publicly following the arrest and allegations against him, which include hit-and-run and disorderly conduct where he was said to have threatened to kill a police officer and his family.
Galchenyuk addressed the statement to Arizona Coyotes leadership, his teammates and his fans.
"My behavior last week was deeply offensive, uncalled for, horrendous, embarrassing, disrespectful and just plain awful," Galchenyuk wrote in a statement posted on his social media accounts, adding, "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."
According to a Scottsdale police report obtained by The Athletic and other publications, Galchenyk allegedly threatened to kill the arresting officer and his wife and daughter, stating that he would make a phone call to Russia to have his wife and daughter's kidneys "cut out."
"I'm gonna chop you and your daughter," Galchenyuk allegedly said, per the report. "Let me go, or I will make one phone call. You'll never see your family, how scary is that? One phone call, and you're all dead. Your whole family, your bloodline is dead."
Galchenyuk also repeatedly directed a racial slur toward the officer as he was arrested.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pound center posted another letter apologizing to the officers and the Scottsdale Police Department.
"I am so sorry for my deeply disrespectful and despicable behavior. You did not deserve that outburst and I am sorry for the pain it has caused," Galchenyuk wrote. "My actions after drinking alcohol were not representative of who I am, but I must take responsibility for them, and I hope to one day be able to show you that I am a better person than who you sadly encountered last week.
"What you all do, putting your lives on the line to protect and serve others, is nothing short of selfless and heroic. I appreciate and respect each of you and I want you to know I will work on myself every day with the goal of one day being able to make amends and try to earn your forgiveness."
Following his arrest, the Coyotes terminated Galchenyuk's one-year contract he'd signed on July 1. Galchenyuk said in his statement that he was looking forward to returning to the organization, where he had played in 2018-19.
The 29-year-old added that he has voluntarily entered the Player Assistance Program to "get the help I need and to ensure I never make a mistake like this again." The program assists players and their families dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse issues and more.
"Again, I am sorry I let you down, and I hope over time and with hard work, I can show all of you that I am a better person than this horrendous moment."