Brady Leavold: From Hockey Dreams to Life on the Streets
For Many Years, hockey was my outlet. Hockey was my drug. When I had a stick in my hand, nothing else mattered.
Picture this: a young hockey player with dreams of making it big, only to find himself battling addiction, homelessness, and crime. Brady Leavold's story is a gripping tale of highs and lows, resilience, and redemption. Growing up, Brady had one goal: to become a professional hockey player. He achieved that dream, playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). But life threw him a curveball when he got hooked on drugs and alcohol.
It all started during the summer of his rookie year, and things spiraled out of control from there. Personal traumas, including being sexually abused as a child, pushed him further into the abyss. Despite signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning's organization, his addiction worsened. Heroin and fentanyl became his escape, leading him to the streets of Vancouver's downtown east side. Homeless and a wanted criminal, Brady hit rock bottom. Three years in jail became his wake-up call.
In this episode, Brady opens up about his dark days and the turning point that led him to seek recovery. His journey from despair to hope is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. Brady's candid account serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the hole, there's always a way out. If you're looking for a raw, real story of struggle and triumph, this episode is for you.