Former NHLer Chris Nilan talks about addiction, and Island students hang on every word

Former NHL playerChris Nilan was on Prince Edward IslandFridaypaying visits to Charlottetown high schools but he wasn't here to just talkhockey.

Students packed into the bleachers in the gym at Colonel Gray High School as Nilanshared stories about his personal battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

Nilanstarted his 13-year NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens,earning himself thenickname "Knuckles" Nilanfor his toughness on the ice. Buthe said when he retired in 1992, his addiction quicklytook over.

He opened up about his struggle, telling students about his abuse of alcohol, prescription pain medication and eventuallyheroin.

I just hope they understand that addiction is real, it can happen to anybody. Chris Nilan

"I think when they hear the story of someone and what happened to them they certainly get captivated by it and listen to it," Nilan said.

"I just try and let kids know what happened to me, how it could easily happen to them so you have to watch out for yourself. It's difficult enough growing up, when you put drugs in the mix even more so."

Candid with students

Nilanwas candid with the students, sparing few details as he recounted how addiction took over his life.

He told themhe finally hit an all-time lowand how his friend and teammate Bob Gaineyconvinced him to get the help he needed.

Nilansaid he's been sober for eight years and now hosts his own radio show in Montreal. He's been travelling to speak to schools and sports teams, using his own experience to help others.

"It helps me to stay focused and grounded and just knowing where I want to be in my life," Nilan said. "I just hope they understand that addiction is real, it can happen to anybody and you know have the courage to stand on your own two feet and make those decisions not to go down that road."

Nilanalso stopped by Charlottetown Rural high school to share his story with students. Earlier this year he spent timewith young hockey teams on the Island to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and the pressures they may face as young athletes.

New perspective

Students were excited to hear the former NHL player speak but few expected how powerful his words would be. The crowd wassilent as Nilan spoke, hanging on every word.

Grade 11 studentChristina Muisesaid his stories gave her a new perspective on addiction and how drastically it can change alife.

"It really wasn't like any presentation about drugs we've ever had before. A lot of the time it's just like drugs are bad for you, you shouldn't do them, this is what it can do to you," she said. "But he really wasn't there to tell us 'you shouldn't do them, it's bad for you.' He was there to just share his experience with them and kind of show us really what it can do."

Isaac McCardle, also in Grade 11, saidNilan'spersonal stories helped him understand addiction and struggles with mental health in way he hadn't before.

"We got to hear from a person who was talking about their own life experiences, and I think you can really connect a lot more with that than when you're hearing more statistics and stuff from experts. Really, hearing someone's personal story made the difference for me,"McCardle said.

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