Former NHLer calls out the league after they failed Bobby Ryan after his arrest

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Josh tupper
July 27, 2022 (6:31 PM)

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While a member of the Ottawa Senators, Bobby Ryan was enrolled in the NHL's Substance Abuse Program. But last year Ryan retired from the NHL and it unfortunately has been well documented how little the NHL does for retired players battling substance issues.

Earlier this year Rick Westhead shared the heartbreaking story of the family of Ian White who was left broke and homeless after White hit rock bottom. White's ex-wife shared how they'd received no help from either the league or the Players Association.

Today news broke that Bobby Ryan had been arrested for public intoxication in the Nashville Airport. This afternoon former NHL player Brent Sopel offered the following support:

The NHLs terrible substance program at work again. Absolutely no help in the transition. My heart goes out to Bobby. Call me and I'll help you

It's great to see a former player like Sopel, who understands the struggle calling out the NHL and offering the support the league should be. The more players who stand up to they system, the more likely the system is to be repaired.

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