From saving goals to saving lives
Former ice hockey star Clint Malarchuk's three brushes with death led him to speak out about his experience. Now he's helping others talk about their own mental health struggles.
In 1989, Canadian ice hockey goaltender Clint Malarchuk was playing for top National Hockey League team the Buffalo Sabres, when he suffered a horrific injury to his neck. Knowing his mother was watching the NHL match on live TV, he staggered off the ice. Luckily Clint survived and within ten days he was back playing for his team - everyone called him a hero. What many didn’t see was the impact the incident had on his mental health. In the following years, the repercussions of that day would take him to one of the darkest moments of his life. Clint’s now written a book called A Matter of Inches: How I Survived the Crease and Beyond.
If you've been affected by anything you heard in Clint's interview, either go to bbc.co.uk/actionline, where you'll find details of organisations offering support, or contact Befrienders Worldwide.
TV commentary of Buffalo Sabres vs St Louis, 22 March 1989, courtesy of Buffalo Sabres.
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
Picture: Goalie Clint Malarchuk of the Buffalo Sabres defends the net during an NHL game in November, 1990
Credit: B Bennett/Getty Images
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