Carey Price says he entered treatment facility for help with 'substance use' problem
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.
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.