Report: Wild assistant Sydor enters treatment
Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor has voluntarily entered the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program according to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Sydor, who was arrested Aug. 20 on suspicion of driving drunk with his 12-year-old son in the car, checked into an inpatient treatment facility in Malibu, Calif., Sunday according to the Star-Tribune.
The Wild assistant and veteran of 18 NHL seasons as a player is expected to spend at least 30 days in treatment, possibly more.
Sydor, 43, was arrested last Thursday in Fridley while driving his son to a hockey game. His blood alcohol content was revealed to be .30, almost four times the legal limit. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree driving while impaired with two aggravating factors — the endangerment of his child and having a blood alcohol content of .16 or more.
“He’s hurt, he’s upset, he’s embarrassed by his actions, and his family is, too,” Sydor’s attorney Ryan Pacyga said Monday. “Right now, it’s about Darryl taking care of himself and really getting his arms around this.”
The Wild are due to open training camp Sept. 17, while Sydor is due in court on Oct. 12 according to the Star-Tribune.
Sydor could be facing significant legal penalties, including jailtime, stemming from his arrest. Additionally, Sydor went through inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse last summer according to the Star-Tribune. The former NHL defenseman’s lawyer said this latest incident was the result of a relapse.
The only public comment issued from the Wild since Sydor was arrested was only to say that the team was aware of the reports in a brief statement. As of now, Sydor is still employed by the team. It is unclear if he will remain on staff, but his treatment timeline would at least leave him unavailable for the start of training camp.
Sydor has been with the Wild as an assistant coach for the last four seasons. As a player, he won the Stanley Cup twice, first with the Dallas Stars and later with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played in 1,291 games over his NHL career, registering 755 points from the blue line.
Darryl Sydor (standing, right) voluntarily entered treatment following a recent arrest. (USATSI)
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