Written By: #theullmanbrosband
In light of recent events in the hockey world, I thought it would be appropriate to do a quick discussion about Clint Marlachuk.
Clint Malarchuk is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1981 to 1992. He was born on May 1, 1961, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. Malarchuk began his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques in the 1981-1982 season. He also played for the Washington Capitals and the Buffalo Sabres during his career. Known for his aggressive playing style and fearlessness, he quickly gained a reputation as a tough and skilled goaltender. However, Malarchuk is best known for a terrifying incident that occurred on March 22, 1989, during a game between the Buffalo Sabres and the St. Louis Blues. In a collision with an opposing player, Malarchuk’s throat was accidentally slit by a skate blade, severing his jugular vein. The scene was gruesome, with blood pouring onto the ice, and it remains one of the most horrific injuries in the history of professional sports. Remarkably, Malarchuk survived the incident due to the quick actions of the team’s trainers, who applied pressure to his neck to control the bleeding. Following the incident, Malarchuk struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), both triggered by the traumatic event. He openly shared his struggles and became an advocate for mental health, speaking out about his experiences and raising awareness about mental health issues among athletes. After retiring from professional hockey, Malarchuk worked as a goaltending coach and held various coaching positions in the NHL and minor leagues. He also published a memoir in 2014 titled “The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond,” in which he detailed his battle with mental health and his road to recovery.
Marlarchuk has been a mental health advocate, and discusses suicide awareness, and PTSD. Currently, he lives on his ranch in Nevada, and practices Equine Dentistry.
One thing is for sure, Malarchuk’s career and personal story serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as well as the importance of mental health awareness and support.
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