Chris Dingman and Brady Leavold: Hockey's Toughest Battles On and Off the Ice
You know, I would have been remembered as Brady Leibold, the junkie, the criminal nobody would have remembered. And I'm not saying that I'm never going to smoke weed again, because it helped me get where I am today.
What happens when the ice melts and the lights go out? In this gripping episode of 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back', host Brady Leavold sits down with former NHL player Chris Dingman to pull back the curtain on the hidden struggles behind professional hockey. From the thrill of winning the Stanley Cup to the dark depths of addiction, Dingman and Leavold share stories that are as raw as they are inspiring.
Chris Dingman, known for his tough-guy persona on the ice, recounts his time playing for teams like the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He talks about the pressure of performing at an elite level and the unexpected challenges that come with it. But it's not all about the game; Dingman opens up about the personal battles he faced away from the rink.
Brady Leavold, whose own journey took him from promising young player to battling heroin addiction on the streets of Vancouver, offers a candid look at his life. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of support systems. Leavold doesn't shy away from discussing the violence and crime he was involved in during his darkest days, but he also highlights how the support of family and friends helped him turn his life around.
Together, Dingman and Leavold discuss the often-overlooked mental health issues in hockey, the coping mechanisms players turn to, and the crucial role of community support. They touch on the darker side of junior hockey and emphasize that behind every player is a human being dealing with real-life issues. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action. Leavold's determination to create a positive legacy is truly inspiring.
As he puts it, 'I would have been remembered as Brady Leibold, the junkie, the criminal nobody would have remembered'. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real stories behind the sport and the powerful message of hope and resilience.