"I've never felt better": Former Oiler Ladislav Smid discusses recent sobriety
Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ladislav Smid opened up on Wednesday about how a recent decision to get sober helped save his life.
Smid took to Twitter to offer his support to Alex Galchenyuk, who recently announced he would be entering the NHL’s Player Assistance Program after an off-ice incident led to the termination of his contract with the Arizona Coyotes.
Smid commended Galchenyuk for his bravery while letting his followers know he recently found himself in a similar situation.
“Just wanted to comment on Alex Galchenyuk,” Smid wrote. “I know what happened looks bad and I’m sure he doesn’t feel good about it. But thank god nobody died and nobody got really hurt. He apologized and asked for help, that’s all he can do for now. He acknowledged and accepted he has a problem. Unfortunately something bad has to happen for us to realize that we are just human beings and need help from others. Few months ago something bad happened to me and it really scared the sh*t out of me and my loved ones. It wasn’t until then that I realized that I need help!
“Asking for help was the best and bravest thing I’ve ever done. It saved my life! It’s been three months of sobriety and I’ve never felt better and my relationships with my family members, especially my wife and kids, never been better. It’s much better solving issues sober! We don’t talk about these issues enough. I was in a really dark place for a while, but there is a way out of it, just reach out and ask for help, it worked for me. It’s really worth it. LIFE IS WORTH IT! I’m happy Alex realized that! Thanks NHLPA for the support!”
2/4 Unfortunately something bad has to happen for us to realize that we are just human beings and need help from others. Few months ago something bad happened to me and it really scared the shit out of me and my loved ones. It wasn’t until then that I realized that I need help!!!
— Ladi Smid (@LadiSmid) July 19, 2023
4/4 We don’t talk about these issues enough. I was in a really dark place for a while, but there is a way out of it, just reach out and ask for help, it worked for me. It’s really worth it. LIFE IS WORTH IT!!!
I’m happy Alex realized that!!!
Thanks @NHLPA for the support!!!— Ladi Smid (@LadiSmid) July 19, 2023
It is fantastic to see that Smid is not only reaching out to help support Galchenyuk but opening up about his own personal struggles. Hearing that people that are looked up to by many can go through these issues goes a long way in helping many others who struggle with addiction.
Smid, 37, spent parts of eight seasons with the Oilers. He was a fan favourite during his time in Edmonton thanks to his high compete level and willingness to block shots at any given time. After retiring from professional hockey after the 2021-22 season, he returned to Edmonton and currently works as a development coach for the Oil Kings.
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