Colorado Avalanche defenceman Samuel Girard has been cleared to resume practising as he enters the next phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league and union announced Friday.
Girard has not yet been cleared to return to game action, the NHL and NHLPA said in a statement.
When he entered the program in late November, Girard said anxiety and depression leading to alcohol abuse led him to seek treatment.
“I have made a proactive decision to take care of my mental health, and will be entering treatment for severe anxiety and depression that has gone untreated for too long and led to alcohol abuse,” Girard said at the time, in a statement posted by his agency, CAA. “I want to express my gratitude to my wife, family, friends, the club, my teammates and the fans for their patience, understanding, and continued support.”
Girard, a native of Roberval, Que., is in his seventh full NHL season. He broke his sternum midway through Colorado’s Stanley Cup run in 2022.
Girard’s care will continue to be administered as per the conditions of the player assistance program.
–with files from The Associated Press
