Carey Price

[HabsAlways]

I'm not going to be popular with this but .... there have been long standing rumors that Carey has had a drug problem (cocaine).    His lean look this past season (I was shocked actually as he looked incredibly thin, barely recognized him at start of last season to be honest), the rumors, his up and down performances ... now this.   I dunno, I kind of wonder if the drug abuse rumors were true after all.

[maas_art]

29 minutes ago, HabsAlways said:

I'm not going to be popular with this but .... there have been long standing rumors that Carey has had a drug problem (cocaine).    His lean look this past season (I was shocked actually as he looked incredibly thin, barely recognized him at start of last season to be honest), the rumors, his up and down performances ... now this.   I dunno, I kind of wonder if the drug abuse rumors were true after all.

Ultimately, does it matter?

If he's got some sort of anxiety, mental issues or a drug addiction, all require help and im glad he's getting it.  
 

[habs1952]

2 hours ago, HabsAlways said:

I'm not going to be popular with this but .... there have been long standing rumors that Carey has had a drug problem (cocaine).    His lean look this past season (I was shocked actually as he looked incredibly thin, barely recognized him at start of last season to be honest), the rumors, his up and down performances ... now this.   I dunno, I kind of wonder if the drug abuse rumors were true after all.

Don't know about cocaine but I would think if it's a drug problem it would be painkillers due to him dealing with his injuries over the last few years. Regardless, it's great to see him getting help and I hope to see him back between the pipes in the next month or so. or however long it takes.

[HabsAlways]

3 hours ago, maas_art said:

Ultimately, does it matter?

If he's got some sort of anxiety, mental issues or a drug addiction, all require help and im glad he's getting it.  
 

Either way it doesn't matter except for transparency

[ramcharger440]

Well hope he is ok, I was not expecting him to start the season anyways due to his surgery and with the short layoff between seasons I figured he would be late.

[ChiLla]

10 hours ago, HabsAlways said:

I'm not going to be popular with this but .... there have been long standing rumors that Carey has had a drug problem (cocaine).    His lean look this past season (I was shocked actually as he looked incredibly thin, barely recognized him at start of last season to be honest), the rumors, his up and down performances ... now this.   I dunno, I kind of wonder if the drug abuse rumors were true after all.

Not the first time I'm reading about those rumors but isn't there some sort of regular testing programme in place for NHLers? Honest question because I know that in other sports leagues (e.g. soccer/football and hockey in Europe) players have to undergo periodic doping tests and all those 'recreational substances' like cocaine, THC, and whatnot are on the doping list. A failed test leads to an automatic (and lengthy) suspension, so hiding a drug problem as a professional athlete would be quite difficult (outside of alcohol abuse of course).

[caperns61]

 

Stephane Waite, former Habs goalie coach and longtime friend of Price, went on RDS earlier today to clarify Price's departure.

Here's Waite's take (from French):

"Hear me right. Carey Price's situation has nothing to do with alcohol, nothing to do with drugs, nothing to do with pills and nothing to do with gambling. Carey is someone, one who takes great care of his body and leads a quiet life with his family. On the other hand, he is very demanding of himself and sometimes it can become difficult to deal with all this pressure to perform. "- Stéphane Waite
Waite also ventured on the possible trigger that led him to his request for help today.

"He told me this summer that he found it extremely difficult to get this far in the playoffs and come so close to the Stanley Cup without winning it. It was a very difficult summer for him, besides his knee surgery. I texted him today to tell him that I was really proud of him for having the courage to take charge of his sanity like that. I'm sure he'll get through this. test and will come back in great shape. "- Stéphane Waite

Makes sense Carey Price seems like someone that demands a lot from himself.

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[rkgoalie]

well if price and webber are out for a while, we should have some spending money in a few months ,to bad we did not pick up fleury from vegas

[BigTed3]

15 hours ago, HabsAlways said:

I'm not going to be popular with this but .... there have been long standing rumors that Carey has had a drug problem (cocaine).    His lean look this past season (I was shocked actually as he looked incredibly thin, barely recognized him at start of last season to be honest), the rumors, his up and down performances ... now this.   I dunno, I kind of wonder if the drug abuse rumors were true after all.

I'd be surprised if Carey has a drug/cocaine issue. Obviously anything is possible but it doesn't gel too much with his public persona.

[BigTed3]

4 hours ago, ChiLla said:

Not the first time I'm reading about those rumors but isn't there some sort of regular testing programme in place for NHLers? Honest question because I know that in other sports leagues (e.g. soccer/football and hockey in Europe) players have to undergo periodic doping tests and all those 'recreational substances' like cocaine, THC, and whatnot are on the doping list. A failed test leads to an automatic (and lengthy) suspension, so hiding a drug problem as a professional athlete would be quite difficult (outside of alcohol abuse of course).

To my knowledge, there are fairly high rates of cocaine use among NHL players. There were fairly convincing rumors that Galchenyuk was one guy involved with it and possibly Tinordi while he was here, and that these might have been driving reasons for their trades. While there is a substance abuse program, there's no requirement for enrollment and no suspension given for elicit drugs in the NHL.

[ChiLla]

17 minutes ago, BigTed3 said:

To my knowledge, there are fairly high rates of cocaine use among NHL players. There were fairly convincing rumors that Galchenyuk was one guy involved with it and possibly Tinordi while he was here, and that these might have been driving reasons for their trades. While there is a substance abuse program, there's no requirement for enrollment and no suspension given for elicit drugs in the NHL.

Interesting, thanks for the insight. I wasn't aware and kind of wonder why that's the case. Probably a legal thing, I know for a fact though that over here employers can ask their employees to participate in regular drug screening. It depends on the industry and it's not widespread but I worked for a few companies over the years who did just that (mostly in the automotive industry as well as in the field of critical infrastructure/operational technology).

[jennifer_rocket]

Everyone always assumes players in Montreal are on cocaine. It's a never-ending rumor about 1/4 of the players who come through here. Whether it is/isn't drug-related, people who use (or abuse) drugs deserve empathy and the opportunity to get healthy.

Pretty sure three weeks ago people said Drouin had a drug problem. Turns out not to be the case.

[Regis22]

who wants to play in Montreal 

[campabee82]

48 minutes ago, Regis22 said:

who wants to play in Montreal 

ME!!!!! LOL, I am just not good enough and way too old LOL.

[CaptWelly]

11 hours ago, BigTed3 said:

To my knowledge, there are fairly high rates of cocaine use among NHL players. There were fairly convincing rumors that Galchenyuk was one guy involved with it and possibly Tinordi while he was here, and that these might have been driving reasons for their trades. While there is a substance abuse program, there's no requirement for enrollment and no suspension given for elicit drugs in the NHL.

You say to "my knowledge"? What are your sources and or any evidence of this? Rumors , hear say are not a source anyone should repeat about any profession or group of people. At least not without first hand knowledge or evidence of some sort. A practice that may have been prevalent at one time in any industry doesn't mean it still exist today.  

[BigTed3]

10 hours ago, CaptWelly said:

You say to "my knowledge"? What are your sources and or any evidence of this? Rumors , hear say are not a source anyone should repeat about any profession or group of people. At least not without first hand knowledge or evidence of some sort. A practice that may have been prevalent at one time in any industry doesn't mean it still exist today.  

https://www.tsn.ca/on-eve-of-season-nhl-acknowledges-possibly-more-players-using-cocaine-1.372075

https://theathletic.com/1324841/2019/11/05/the-secret-everybody-knows-drugs-like-cocaine-and-molly-becoming-more-popular-in-nhl/

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2017/2/19/14662176/cocaine-usage-in-nhl-substance-abuse-partying-expressen-newspaper-feature-magnus-nystrom-anonymous

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/galchenyuk-attended-nhl-s-drug-and-alcohol-rehab-claims-former-habs-coach

 

Just a few examples.. there are tons of stories in the media about this and acknowledgements by the NHL that it's a problem. Mario Tremblay (take the source as you will but he's not an anonymous nobody) says Galchenyuk was in rehab for cocaine. Ryan Malone was in rehab for cocaine. Kuznetsov was photographed with cocaine and this is thought to be the reason he was on the trade block in Washington.

[electron58]

39 minutes ago, BigTed3 said:

https://www.tsn.ca/on-eve-of-season-nhl-acknowledges-possibly-more-players-using-cocaine-1.372075

https://theathletic.com/1324841/2019/11/05/the-secret-everybody-knows-drugs-like-cocaine-and-molly-becoming-more-popular-in-nhl/

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2017/2/19/14662176/cocaine-usage-in-nhl-substance-abuse-partying-expressen-newspaper-feature-magnus-nystrom-anonymous

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/galchenyuk-attended-nhl-s-drug-and-alcohol-rehab-claims-former-habs-coach

 

Just a few examples.. there are tons of stories in the media about this and acknowledgements by the NHL that it's a problem. Mario Tremblay (take the source as you will but he's not an anonymous nobody) says Galchenyuk was in rehab for cocaine. Ryan Malone was in rehab for cocaine. Kuznetsov was photographed with cocaine and this is thought to be the reason he was on the trade block in Washington.

Way to back it up, BigTed3. Knew you would!   As for Tremblay, never liked the guy.  =  Big reason the Habs went downhill for a lotta years.

[ramcharger440]

+1 on Tremblay! talk about ego!

[CaptWelly]

3 hours ago, BigTed3 said:

https://www.tsn.ca/on-eve-of-season-nhl-acknowledges-possibly-more-players-using-cocaine-1.372075

https://theathletic.com/1324841/2019/11/05/the-secret-everybody-knows-drugs-like-cocaine-and-molly-becoming-more-popular-in-nhl/

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2017/2/19/14662176/cocaine-usage-in-nhl-substance-abuse-partying-expressen-newspaper-feature-magnus-nystrom-anonymous

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/galchenyuk-attended-nhl-s-drug-and-alcohol-rehab-claims-former-habs-coach

 

Just a few examples.. there are tons of stories in the media about this and acknowledgements by the NHL that it's a problem. Mario Tremblay (take the source as you will but he's not an anonymous nobody) says Galchenyuk was in rehab for cocaine. Ryan Malone was in rehab for cocaine. Kuznetsov was photographed with cocaine and this is thought to be the reason he was on the trade block in Washington.

Good information that said none of these articles show a "high" rate 1%- 2% ? 60 players out of the whole league ect. A would think a "high" rate would be at least 50% or more? As with anything it's professionals and celebrities' so the "rates" are actually by an actual percentage are low.  

[electron58]

7 minutes ago, CaptWelly said:

Good information that said none of these articles show a "high" rate 1%- 2% ? 60 players out of the whole league ect. A would think a "high" rate would be at least 50% or more? As with anything it's professionals and celebrities' so the "rates" are actually by an actual percentage are low.  

I think that any amount in this day and age would be too much. These professionals are role models for all the kids that follow hockey. Psychologists praise Carey Price for checking himself in, for therapy(for lack of a better word, rehab sounds too harsh) Kids want to be like these players.  When they see a player admitting to having issues, it lets the kids know, that it is alright to seek help.  So yes, 1%-2% is too high.

[Regis22]

https://montrealgazette.com/sports/stu-cowan-young-price-fan-returns-touching-gesture-shows-his-support

Stu Cowan: Young Price fan returns touching gesture, shows his support

Anderson Whitehead's lasting relationship with the Canadiens' goalie started with a video of their first meeting after death of boy's mother.

After news broke Thursday that Price had voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and will be absent from the Canadiens for a minimum of 30 days, I started thinking about Anderson and his special relationship with the goalie.

“I was a little bit surprised, to be 100-per-cent honest,” Anderson said over the phone Friday from his home in Paris, Ont., when asked what his initial reaction was to the news about Price. “But I’m really supportive of him because at least he was able to get the help that he needed before it got worse than it was. So I think it’s really good that he was the person who went out and got the help because out of all the people you would think would need help it wouldn’t be him. I’m really supportive of him going out and getting help since lots of people need it.”

Anderson wasn’t the only one surprised. So was Price’s teammate and good friend Jeff Petry.

“Our families have been close and it’s tough when you can’t really judge a book by its cover,” Petry said when asked about Price following the Canadiens’ 5-4 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators in their final pre-season game Thursday night at the Bell Centre. “He’s a guy that comes in every day and you think everything’s OK and it’s unfortunate that it got to a point and we’re just wishing him the best.”

Anderson and Price have kept in regular contact since their first meeting. Anderson sent Price a text last month letting him know he was starting high school at St. John’s College in Brantford, Ont.

“He said that he’s really proud of me and that he hopes I do good in school this year,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s father, Kevin Whitehead, told his son on Thursday that he should send Price another text.

“He’s been there for us for the last three years,” Kevin told Anderson. “It’s your turn now to step up and support him.”

Anderson, now 14, said: “I sent him a text saying that everybody goes through struggles in life and that he can easily get through this struggle and we’re all behind him.”

Kevin spoke Friday about the huge impact Price has had on his son and how the Canadiens goalie has helped the entire family deal with the grief that followed the death of the boy’s mother at such a young age.

Just having someone for Anderson to say hi to, to truly be a part of Anderson’s life,” Kevin said. “It wasn’t just a one-off. To have the owner of the Montreal Canadiens bring Anderson to the Stanley Cup game just allows this relationship to keep kindling and it really means a lot to our family and gives a huge example to Anderson. Carey’s such a first-class guy … that’s why Anderson loved him in the first place. So to have that as an example in Anderson’s life I think is huge.”

What would Kevin say to Price if he could speak with him now?

“Just tell him that we’re behind him and he’s got a great family and I read the whole story about how his wife, Angela, is behind him,” Kevin said. “I had to get help a year-and-a-half ago myself. We’re never too big or too old. For him to do this as a public figure … when they’re in the spotlight the way they are, for him to do this hopefully a lot of other people not as popular will feel comfortable getting the help that they need also.”

[seth505]

I know people probably don't mean any disrespect but not very cool with the drug speculation.  Articles from the past or not.  Every job/sport in the world has outliers that squander their talent and use drugs/party, really has nothing to do with Price unless verified.  

[BigTed3]

2 hours ago, CaptWelly said:

Good information that said none of these articles show a "high" rate 1%- 2% ? 60 players out of the whole league ect. A would think a "high" rate would be at least 50% or more? As with anything it's professionals and celebrities' so the "rates" are actually by an actual percentage are low.  

We can debate what's high or not, but the fact is that it's there. The NHL has acknowledged it's there. And whatever they know about is almost certainly an under-estimate of what the truth is. It's also clear that in general, cocaine use tends to be associated with income. It's an expensive habit to keep up. So athletes, entertainers, doctors, lawyers, business execs, etc., that's where you tend to see a lot of hidden cocaine use. So let's say it's 60 players in the league. That's still 2 per team. To me, that's a significant/high number.

My original post was in reply to a question about whether players were tested and whether the cocaine use would or wouldn't be found. And as I said, the NHL doesn't have a policy in place to do widespread testing because of the NHLPA and they don't have a policy in place that leads to suspension for it. You use a PED and you get suspended. But you use cocaine and your team might frown on it or try to trade you for it, but you can keep using it and keep playing hockey if you so choose. So coming back to what I initially said on Carey, in response to another poster's comments that Carey was rumored to be using cocaine, I doubt it. I really have trouble seeing this being the storyline for Carey. But if you asked me whether I think it's not a problem at all in the NHL, I'd say it clearly is and it would not surprise me in the least to know there have been players on the team who have gotten into trouble for this.

[Regis22]

https://torontosun.com/sports/simmons-says-this-could-be-the-biggest-year-of-maple-leafs-defenceman-morgan-riellys-professional-career

THIS AND THAT

This may be completely unrelated to Carey Price’s current personal situation, but more than one hockey person was convinced this summer that Price wanted to be chosen in the expansion draft by the Seattle Kraken but remained in Montreal instead 

[Regis22]

https://cultmtl.com/2021/10/carey-price-is-not-suffering-from-addiction-to-drugs-or-alcohol/?fbclid=IwAR2I2ZsAxy74Z6r1nNaASwfOK0vuA69zeVOxcjOlnoi5msJySKUVDnkarW8

 

According to former Montreal Canadiens goalie coach Stéphane Waite, Carey Price is not suffering from addiction to illegal or prescription drugs, alcohol or gambling, but from a mental health issue related to putting too much pressure on himself.

Waite, who worked with the Habs from 2013 to March of 2021, made the comments on Thursday in a radio segment on 98.5FM, where he’s currently employed as an analyst. He had been in touch with Carey Price by text just after the news broke that the Habs star goalie had entered the NHL players assistance program for mental health support.

Waite said that he told Price he was proud of him and that he supported him. He noted that when he spoke to Price, he “didn’t find a guy on the ground, but a man ready to face the challenge and come back stronger.”

Waite specified that Carey Price “does not take drugs, is not addicted to medication and has no alcohol or gambling problems.” The issue, Waite said, is that Price puts everyone — his family, teammates, the Canadiens franchise, the fans — ahead of himself, to his detriment. He also noted that the quick succession of the Stanley Cup Finals loss, knee surgery, physical rehabilitation and training camp didn’t help matters.

Price will be in the program for a minimum of 30 days but is expected to rejoin his teammates on the ice before the end of 2021.