Galchenyuk apologizes, says he is checking into player assistance program
Posted July 18, 2023 4:42 pm.
Alex Galchenyuk will enter the NHL and NHLPA’s player assistance program and has apologized to fans and local police for the actions that led to his contract being terminated by the Arizona Coyotes earlier this month.
Galchenyuk issued the apology and announcement in letters addressed to Coyotes leadership, his teammates and hockey fans on his Twitter account. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan was the first to report the news.
“My behavior last week was deeply offensive, uncalled for, horrendous, embarrassing, disrespectful and just plain awful,” Galchenyuk wrote. “By checking myself into the NHL/NHLPA Assistance Program, I hope to get the help I need to ensure I never make a mistake like this again.”
The Coyotes terminated Galchenyuk’s contract on July 14, less than two weeks after adding the forward to the organization in free agency. ESPN also reported that NHLPA president Marty Walsh is considering filing a grievance over the Coyotes’ terminating of Galchenyuk’s contract.
— Alex Galchenyuk (@AGally94) July 18, 2023
Scottsdale Police previously confirmed to Sportsnet that Galchenyuk was arrested on July 9 for a number of charges, including private property hit-and-run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest and threatening or intimidating. He was booked on misdemeanour charges and released the next day on his own recognizance.
Galchenyuk also issued an apology via social media for his behaviour on the night of his arrest, saying he was “deeply ashamed” and “beyond sorry” for his “despicable and disrespectful behavior after drinking alcohol.”
The 29-year-old has appeared in 654 games over his 11-year career.
“I am sorry I let you down and I hope over time and with hard work, I can show all of you I am a better person than this horrendous moment,” he wrote in his social-media letter.
