Carey Price says he entered treatment facility for help with 'substance use' problem

Montreal -

Habs goalie Carey Price said he entered a residential treatment facility last month to treat an ongoing "substance use" issue after letting himself "get to a very dark place."

"Things had reached a point that I realized I needed to prioritize my health for both myself and for my family," Price said in a post on his Instagram page Tuesday. 

"Asking for help when you need it is what we encourage our kids to do. And it was what I needed to do."

Price also reunited with his fellow teammates Tuesday after voluntarily entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program on Oct. 7. 

He said in his post that he is working on "years" of neglecting his mental health and that addressing it now means a timeline for his return to the ice will remain uncertain. 

The 34-year-old met with Canadiens doctors on Sunday to see if he should resume the rehab program, and on Tuesday, Montreal Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme said Price's return will take place in four stages.

"I appreciate all of the overwhelming support and well wishes,"  reads Price's Instagram post.

"I please ask that the media and our hockey community continue to respect our privacy at this time. Your support and respect of this so far has been a critical piece to my recovery."

After taking a step back from hockey, Price was praised by athletes and commentators alike for having the courage to speak up about the importance of putting one's own mental well-being ahead of the team.

The star goalie has a career record of 360-257-79, with a 2.50 goals-against average and .917 save percentage with 49 shutouts. His 360 wins for the Habs tops Hall of Famers Jacques Plante (314), Patrick Roy (289), and Ken Dryden (258).

In 2015, he swept the NHL's key awards, winning the Ted Lindsay, Jennings, Vezina, and Hart trophies, becoming the first goaltender in league history to win all four individual awards in the same season.

Price has represented Canada internationally at all levels of play, most recently winning gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Carey Price (@cp0031)

Again on Tuesday, hockey fans applauded Price's bravery in opening up about seeking help. Many shared messages of support on Twitter and wished him a speedy recovery.

With files from The Canadian Press