From "Pain Killer", by Brantt Myhres:
"Brantt Myhres wasn't around for the birth of his daughter. Myhres had played for seven different NHL teams, and had made millions. He'd been suspended four times, all for drug use, and he had partied his way out of the league. By the time his daughter was born, he was penniless, sleeping on a friends couch, having been released from police custody just hours before. He had a choice of sticking around for the birth, or showing up for rehab. He went to rehab. For the fifth time."
I knew Brantt. He was my teammate for a partial season in Spokane with the Chiefs. The Brantt I knew, I wanted to be like. He was big and strong and respected. And he could put the puck in the net too. He liked to laugh and make people laugh. He liked the ladies and the ladies liked him. He was a good guy and a good teammate.
I never knew the Brantt I read about in the book. I didn't want to be like the Brantt in the book. It was a hard read for me at times, as it will be for you. It made me ask "Why?", and "How?" a hundred times. But as much as you want to slap Brantt silly for the poor choices he was making, we root for him. You have to. And he comes out on the otherside.
From everything to nothing to a man filled with purpose. After 13 years sober, Brantt will never stop fighting for sobriety and being the best father he can.
This is an interesting conversation with my friend and ex-teammate Brantt Myhres. I hope you enjoy it.