Former Stanley Cup Champion Calls Out The NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program

PUBLICATION

Hunter Bowman
November 28, 2023 (11:17 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former Stanley Cup Champion Scott Darling has publicly criticized the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in a recent interview on @WhatChaosShow. In a candid conversation, Darling expressed his dissatisfaction, stating,
"F-k them. I've told players - what I went through - if you need help, do it on your own. Don't ever go through the PA."

Darling didn't mince words, calling the program "monsters" and discouraging players from seeking assistance through it. He emphasized the potential risks, mentioning how they could interfere with contracts and other personal matters, describing them as "really bad people."

The goaltender urged players dealing with addiction problems to seek help independently, stressing the importance of finding individuals genuinely committed to supporting players. Drawing from his own experience battling alcoholism in university, Darling advised,

"You have insurance, go outside, don't let anyone in the NHL know you're doing this. Don't go through the PA... they're terrible people."

This bold critique from the 34-year-old sheds light on the challenges players might face within the existing support structure and encourages alternative routes for those seeking help.