Pain Killer

More about the book

From the only player banned for life from the NHL comes a harrowing tale of addiction and an astonishing path to recovery. Brantt Myhres, who played for seven NHL teams and earned millions, faced multiple suspensions due to drug use and ultimately lost his place in the league. When his daughter was born, he was penniless and sleeping on a friend's couch after being released from police custody. He chose rehab for the fifth time over witnessing her birth. In his own words, Myhres recounts his journey from minor hockey to the NHL, haunted by a troubled childhood. He shares how alcohol and cocaine became his coping mechanisms, detailing the destructive impact of substance abuse on his relationships and career. His raw, locker-room language reveals the chaos of week-long benders, motorcycle crashes, and barroom brawls, alongside his repeated betrayals of those who tried to help him. Just before his daughter's birth, with everything lost, he was given one last chance, which he seized. Now, over eleven years later, he not only supports his daughter but also serves as a "sober coach" for the LA Kings, helping others avoid the pitfalls he faced. Myhres' unflinching honesty paints a portrait of a man who transformed his life, proving that if he can overcome his struggles, anyone can.