Gare Joyce and Brady Leavold: From Addiction to Redemption
It wasn't a straight line that you took, believe me, like you. I wanted whatever he said, I wanted to be strong, but you gave such great context to, uh, you know, the physical and emotional experience of being on the streets and addicted to heroin.
What happens when a hockey player's life spirals from near-NHL fame to addiction and homelessness? In this episode of 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back', Brady Leavold sits down with acclaimed Canadian sportswriter Gare Joyce. Together, they unpack Joyce's newly released Sportsnet article that delves into Leavold's tumultuous journey. From skating on the ice to battling heroin addiction on Vancouver's streets, Leavold's story is a raw testament to resilience.
The conversation also touches on the haunting memory of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash, a tragedy that still reverberates in the hockey community. This episode isn't just about the dark times; it's about the light at the end of the tunnel. Leavold and Joyce explore the importance of honesty in recovery and the role of community support in overcoming life's hardest hits.
Whether you're a hockey fan, grappling with addiction, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a heartfelt look at struggle, survival, and hope.