(Photo 16934157 © Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Mental Health

Raiders GM shares words of encouragement to Canadiens’ Price over mental health struggles

Oct 8, 2021 | 5:37 PM

As Montreal Canadiens’ goalie Carey Price seeks help for his mental health, he’s getting some words of encouragement from a former coach currently in Prince Albert.

It was announced on Thursday Price was entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. His wife Angela later stating on social media he was ‘putting his mental health first.’

Prince Albert Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt coached him back at the 2007 World Junior Championship in Sweden where Canada won gold. Price was the starting goalie, while Hunt served as an assistant coach.

Despite knowing Price for a short amount of time, Hunt could see his potential on and off the ice.

“I think it takes a lot of courage for him with his exposure in a media frenzy city as Montreal and the National Hockey League,” Hunt said.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

18h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

18h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

19h ago

Since the announcement, Price has received support from across the hockey world.

Canadiens’ General Manager Marc Bergevin spoke to reporters on Thursday where he held back emotions talking about Price.

“I believe better days are ahead for Carey and his family.”

Hunt sees Price’s announcement helping others reach those better days as well.

“This is an opportunity for all kids to be able to look at what Carey did and say it’s okay to struggle and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Meanwhile, mental health continues to be a top priority for the P.A. Raiders.

Stacey Alexandre has been the team’s mental performance consultant for several years.

At least once a month, he meets with the players and discusses the importance of mental health.

“We talk about mental health literacy, what is mental health, how to recognize the differences between daily stresses, and how to recognize your baseline.”

Alexandre also holds one-on-one meetings with individuals who may need some extra support.

Despite many not feeling comfortable speaking about their mental health, he’s seen a healthy number of players reach out.

“Sometimes with life, you just never know what’s going to happen. COVID could be an example,” Alexandre said.

Alexandre believes the Raiders prioritizing supports and the importance of reaching out has helped end the stigma of mental health around the locker room over the past several years.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow