Valery Nichushkin, Russian forward for the Colorado Avalanche club, released a statement explaining why he decided to turn to the National Hockey League (NHL) hockey player assistance program. His words lead the way official site club.
“I decided to seek help and join the player assistance program. My goal is to solve my problems and prevent negative consequences once and for all. I want to thank my wife, family, friends, the Avalanche organization, and all my fans for their understanding and support. “I will do everything I can to get back on the ice and join my teammates as soon as possible,” Nichushkin said.
The NHL program aims to help players cope with alcohol or drug addiction and understand various psychological issues.
Last season Nichushkin played in just two NHL playoff games. The club explained his absence as personal reasons. Journalists also wrote that there were some alcohol-related incidents with Russians.
Journalist Daria Tuboltseva on the Telegram channel reportedHe said that after the incident last season, the forward was in the assist program for the first time and now he is returning to the NHL for the second time. Again we are talking about problems with alcohol.
Nichushkin won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in the 2021/22 season; In the final series, the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Nichushkin recorded 42 points (22 goals and 20 assists) in 40 regular season games this season.
Previously 37 hockey players of the Salavat Yulaev system discovered doping