After being arrested on multiple charges by the Scottsdale Police Department last week, longtime NHL forward Alex Galchenyuk has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
The 29-year-old forward, who signed with the Arizona Coyotes on July 1 before having his contract terminated less than two weeks later in the wake of his arrest, released a statement on Tuesday.
“I am deeply ashamed of my recent behavior and I am beyond sorry to everyone I offended and hurt,” Galchenyuk said. “It was uncalled for, it was horrific and it has ruined this great new opportunity I was given by the Coyotes. I am beyond embarrassed and disappointed with myself and I feel awful for everyone I have left down.
“My family was counting on me to be better, the Coyotes and the amazing Coyotes fans deserve better and the brave police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe deserve better,” Galchenyuk continued. “I let them all down with my despicable and disrespectful behavior after drinking alcohol.
“Today, I am checking myself into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. I am doing this to get the help I need and hope to never make a mistake like this again.”
Galchenyuk was charged with private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest, and threatening or intimidating after a run-in with members of the Scottsdale Police Department on July 9.
After police officers arrived at the scene, where a white BMW X5 crossover had been seen striking a curb, a sign, and another vehicle, Galchenyuk was discovered laying on the ground near the vehicle while showing clear signs of intoxication. His father was also present at the scene.
According to the police report, Galchenyuk repeatedly threatened violence against the responding officers and also directed racial slurs against an officer-in-training who said he identifies as Black.
The Coyotes released the following statement upon officially terminating Galchenyuk’s contract last week:
“We are aware of the incident involving Alex Galchenyuk and strongly condemn this type of behavior. Once the Club was made aware of the allegations, we immediately began the process of terminating his Standard Player’s Contract through the proper channels in conjunction with the National Hockey League. As a result, the Arizona Coyotes today have exercised the team’s right to terminate the contract of Alex Galchenyuk due to a material breach of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract. The Club will have no further comment at this time.”
Also on Tuesday, NHLPA director Marty Walsh told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski that the players union is still deliberating over whether to file a grievance regarding the Coyotes terminating Galchenyuk’s contract.
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