Former NHLer and addict Brandon Reid's new goal is to help others beat addiction
CTV
Brandon Reid was a promising NHLer for the Vancouver Canucks, but his struggles with addiction almost killed him. He now trains other addicts as they fight to stay sober.
Making the NHL wasn't Brandon Reid's biggest challenge.
The Montreal West Island native was a breakout star in the 2000 World Juniors Championships, leading Team Canada in scoring, before playing for three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.
Away from the spotlight, however, he was fighting for an even bigger goal to overcome addiction.
"I struggled and didn't really know how to ask for help," he told CTV. "There was a lot of fear based around that, what would I lose? What would people think?"
That battle came to a tipping point three years ago when Reid tried to take his own life.
"I had nothing. All the money I had made, all the relationships that I had, they were gone," he said.
Through a contact in the West Island, he got help and went to rehab. Now, he's helping others with their journey to sobriety through fitness. He started a program called Fit Not Lit to give clients routine, purpose and direction.
