The NHL has always had the reputation of being a beer-drinking league since most players don’t hide the fact they like to tip the bottle every now and again. However, times have changed and over the years society has seen drug use rise to unacceptable levels. This is why all major sports leagues have some type of substance abuse programs in effect. But the NHL’s seems to be failing miserably with the recent deaths of two players who were enrolled in the program.
The latest was 27-year-old forward Rick Rypien of the Winnipeg Jets who was found dead on Aug. 15, while 28-year-old Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers was found dead back in May due to a mixture of painkillers and alcohol. It was reported that Boogaard also received counseling from the NHL’s substance abuse program.
Follow paulmbanks