Shattered: Former NHL star Kevin Stevens’s battle with addiction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.พ. 2018
- Former NHLer Kevin Stevens was on top of the world in 1993, but a horrific injury sent his life spiralling downwards for two decades, even contemplating suicide. Friends and family have helped rebuild his life piece by piece.
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I've been there and done that Kevin, Lost my family, house, 2 vehicles, My job of 20 years and ended up in jail and the streets of Toronto. That was 8 years ago. Sober ever since. There's lots of help for people who need it. God Bless, Very inspiring.
Me too, minus jail. Hang in there Kody, Give yourself credit too for choosing to fight for yourself and not be a victim.keep on keepin' on.
@@arkansaswookie actually it's Mark, We are lucky in Canada to have many rehabs funded by our government with great programs. I assume you live in the U.S. Do they have government funded rehabs there too?
Hi Mark, Yes we have them, but they're certainly not as well run as they are in Canada, and they're usually located primarily in larger cities. I live on the coast in a town with 10 thousand people, and I had to take a friend 45 miles inland to a rehab facility, because there isn't anything here to help people, not even an outreach center either, and his insurance wouldn't pay for inpatient rehab. Not all insurance policies are like that of course. I've always been impressed with Canada overtime that I've traveled north, and how, from my perspective, invest and take care of its citizens. Just the access to the rec centers in the winter time etc.I used to do a lot of surfing off of Vancouver Island -- Jordan River and around Port Renfrew, and always had time to talk with people. Cheers.
@@arkansaswookie In Canada most places of employment, even minimum wage jobs will send an employee to rehab free of charge and still pay them benefits to provide for their family. Mr Trump should have something for Americans who need help.
That's a good system and sadly the overall majority of employers here don't provide that aspect of care for their employees.Then there is the stigma involved with it. I've helped and supported a few friends that seriously needed help and was disgusted at how far I had to drive them to get help and how screwed up of a process it was for them. Total bullshit.It goes back to the Bush administration cutting funding for gov. funded rehab facilities to help people. My niece lived in France for a year during college and said that the French government provides Suboxone free of charge at rehab facilities. Here in the states you have to go see a special doctor that has a special certificate in order to obtain either Suboxone or Subutex. Our medical system here is dictated by the big pharmaceutical companies in my opinion. They have powerful lobbyists. I used to do a lot of surfing in Mexico and was astounded that you could get Oxy for a fraction of the price that you can get it for here, legitimately with an RX. My wife and I have talked about opening a business in Canada. Not to take advantage of the medical system, but for quality of life and because things here are turning to crap, plus hockey & snowmobiles and Tim Horton's. I have to buy the Center Ice package every hockey season just to watch Hockey Night In Canada and to watch hockey at all. One thing Trump did was over turn the Obama administrations mandatory health insurance law, that punishes people for not having health insurance. But that's all so far. It's a friggin' mess. Cheers Mark.
Mario Lemieux is one classy Canadian and a fine upstanding teammate. Respect and honour for #66. 🇨🇦 #1.
Just a classy human being.
That Claude on the other hand
I'm an islander fan....but Mario is my fave all time player...
@michael fitzgerald no doubt about that...by a lot
@@Brotha00 Claude "the turtle" was handled personally by Darren McCarty.
Kevins Story is what helped me get clean and sober, I just want to say thank you for telling your story!! Because I most likely be dead right now so thank you Kevin, you will always be in my prayers!!
I love hearing stories like this. He seems like a great guy. I’ve been sober just over 5 years and I know how difficult it is to quit and change.
This is amazing to see... Super Mario isn't just a HHOF player... He's a hall of fame friend. Stay strong Kevin!
Odd wording.
Mario Lemieux is *in* the HHoF, inducted in the player category.
@@incumbentvinyl9291re read what he typed…
Kevin is my all time favorite player. It's sad to have seen him fall from grace like that,but I'm very happy and proud to see him putting his life back together and helping others to do the same. He was a hero to me as a player,but he's an even bigger hero now. Best of luck to you,Artie!
He like so many other guys back then genuinely cared and gave their bodies for the hometown fans. Glad to see him better as well
Be vigilant Kevin. Me, first drug at 12yo, homeless and facing 14-28 years year by the time I was 21. Scared, I finally took that left turn. Being a high school drop out, homeless and broke I was ready to die but I stayed clean and sober, I picked up a trade and became really good. (Iron worker) Worked hard, stayed sober and wouldn’t you know it, My clean winner friends encouraged me to start my own company. That worked out tremendously and now I’m financially set for life, Im a family man and happy. Clean and sober for 31years thanks to my clean friends who encouraged and supported me and not being in places that we shouldn’t be in. I love your story man, and I pray you’ll stay the good course. Oh! I’m a huge Carolina Hurricanes fan so if your ever in the area, I’ll buy you dinner!
Awww ya beat me to the punch !!!!
I'll send my lil bro..... he's a huge Pens fan and he remembers you buddy.... Damm good hockey player you were..... you and Lemieux
Congrats to you Joseph..Good story to read...
Joseph Dunbar congrats bro. I hope your still sober. We deserve a better life. Big hug man. Stay up.
Glad you figured it out!!!I just turned 35 and am trying to rebuild my life...hope I figure it out too....
AMAZING STORY! This is what a willing. strong mind and support can accomplish!
There's no worse enemy than yourself and when you make those mistakes, life can REALLY be unforgiving.
Especially when a dr. Gives it to you and your body says more more more ....
So true!
Everyone in a dark place needs a Lemieux in their life.
True.True. There are choices in life, but there is also blind luck.
Remember that when someone needs a Mario... we are all Mario.
Yeah, but we don't all have one. js
Kevin had a community of people who clearly cared about him and who helped him care about himself. That's astounding! His sister, Mario, former teammates, and various friends each deserve credit. Each of them provided Kevin with help after multiple relapses and deserve our praise and respect. As a hockey fan it is inspiring to see Mario, one of the very best players ever, demonstrate compassion and the qualities we wish all public figures would rise to.
Addiction doesn't care who you are or what you have or what your plans are. Addiction wants to take it all away from you. And after it has taken everything you have - job, wife, house, cars, dreams, what ever - it comes for your kids.
My last drink and recreational drug was May 25, 1995. Go to meetings. Get a sponsor. Make God a daily part of your life.
Alcohol and drugs gave me the sky. Then, it took away my wings.
Congrats on your sobriety
Mario Lemieux is pure greatness.
Matt Davis I agree. That was special!
Glad that Kevin Stevens seems to have his life in order again. Thank you Mario Lemieux a class guy with a compassionate heart that didnt give up on a friend,reminds me of what Orr did for Sanderson during his tough battle with addiction.
Mario Lemieux.....What more can you say!
"Super"
Ya b I just watched it Pretty good
Lol!
Thank-you Mario & the rest of his friends & family
Kevin, my god didn’t know any of this. You are one of my favorite players. We have the same last name and you helped me win the Stanley Cup pool I was in. So glad I ran into this video. Take care Kevin and to all the players that helped, class is the word I would use. Go Pittsburgh
I’m glad I watched this instead of getting high. My life is good, I don’t want to toss it in the bin.
good on you bro.
Hope your still doing good bro
Thanks fam, can’t believe this was a year ago. Never looked back. Stay safe
You can go to the ends of the Earth and not find a better person than Mario Lemieux. This coming from a Flyers fan.
Couldn't agree more! Good luck Kevin.
Yes Mario is a class act for sure I've never heard anybody talk bad about him..
Bruins fan here and Mario was my favorite
Leafs fan here. Mario is an amazing human being who just happens to be the most talented hockey player to ever lace up the skates.
I'm a Mario fan from day one but when I heard he was charging 75$ for an autograph that's when the respect for him off ice dropped for me sorry have to say that . Theres kids out there who like me grew up poor mother's murdered and going to see your hero is huge and then imagine to your dismay that you cannot afford an autograph. It's sickening I dont care how you try to justify it!
A fascinating story I was not aware of. I wish the best for you Kevin.
This man meant so much to my family growing up & we didn’t even know him ..
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing and thank you to the people in the comments for sharing your stories as well. Stay strong and remember we care about you all. Help is always here and you mean the world to someone whether you think so or not and whether you've met them or not yet.
Thank you Kevin for sharing your story. I am currently 21 months Clean and sober after a 25 year run of the chaos of addiction. I appreciate listening to other people's success stories. You are an inspiration.
25 years of addiction?
What's wrong with you, friend?
I wish you all the best Kev! What a great Documentation! Thanks a ton for sharing this!
Mario Lemieux was the man on the ice, and is the man off the ice! Good luck Kevin
Tony Bert when Crosby came into the league, he was staying at Mario’s house for his rookie year. I cannot imagine any better scenario for a rookie superstar to grow up with such a Hockey Legend.
No! Messier was the Man on the Ice. Lemieux lanky, gifted, great offensive talent. Career ended to quickly.
Mario is a class act! Good Luck Kevin, stay strong! Your story inspires others.
"A sentence of probation, with special conditions, would promote respect for the law, achieve the goals of specific and general deterrence, and provide the defendant with needed care, counseling and treatment."
Sometimes the state gets things right. People don't come out of prison as better people.
I was at that game when he suffered that gruesome injury. You could hear a pin drop in The Igloo for about 10 minutes until he was carried off on a stretcher. I was about 11 years old at the time so I had no idea what the consequences of that hit could possibly bring. I've dealt with addiction in my own life and know how difficult it can be. Much respect for Kevin and to Mario for helping him get through such a tough time.
No you weren't.
@@yeeyee9759 ??
@@4orrcountry you weren't there either.
No one has the perfect life, no matter how good it seems they have it. There is always a life struggle.
Naz Idoura the grass is always greener on the other side
Naz Idoura - Yup, we all fall short of the glory...
Yep you gotta fight throug it
Did you not watch the video? After he broke his face he was a shell of himself as a player. That is why he did drugs. He had a good reason to. It had nothing to do with the drugs. It had everything to do with coping with adversity.
Very well said.
Great documentary...KS and the Penguins were the reason I fell in love with hockey and still play it to this day. God bless you KS. Hope you're enjoying life and found peace away from the drug.
CANADA 🇨🇦 LOVES MARIO LEMIEUX and everyone LOVES a comeback like KEVIN “ARTIE” STEVENS❤️👍🇨🇦
One of my favourite player. Great to see him turn his life around. Thank you Lemieux.
Being from Mass I have always been a big Kevin Stevens fan. So sad to see his story but great to see him come out of it OK. Prayers for continued strength and success for him.
Stevens was a beast of a player!
91-92 he set the league record for points at his position. Robitaille broke it by 2 pts the next year, but still.
He was a force and played like a HOF'er for several years.
Glad to see him rebounding and doing well.
Take care Artie
That’s what tends to happen when you play on a line with Lemieux or Gretzky.
Keeper going bud. This has made me take a long look at myself
This is such an inspirational story and I had no idea that Kevin went through so many years of addition recovery. It was very classy on the part of the Penguins to help Kevin by hiring him to become a scout (twice) and not many organizations would do that and it speaks volumes of the Penguins.
we are the same age , I'm a Bruins fan, but I remember Kevin Stevens. I'm glad to here he was able to finally turn it around, but there is no cure. He has to treat it like an allergy. If he slips now? At his age? hes dead. So best of luck man. Keep fighting, your a hockey player, keep fighting.
Same here... Bruins' fan, and loved Stevens. One of the best in his prime. I was unaware of his plight though. God bless him.
Excellent commentary. ThankYou. God Bless.
This is heartbreaking. I had the privilege of watching Kevin through the height of his career. I wish him nothing but the best.
Thank you for sharing your story. Addiction can affect everyone. I wish you the best. We need to stop the stigma.
Thanks for sharing Kevin. This is powerful.
Wow. What a story! I remember watching stevens play as a kid. I am a flyers fan so i saw him play often. Great job on getting cleaned up and coming back
When he got arrested I was devastated as a kid. I was a Flyers fan but he was my favorite player. Him and Tocchet
Keep your head up Mr. Stevens ...thank you for sharing
Way to go kevin,I'm so proud of you!
I watched Kevin’s injury live as a child. I cried for hours. Little did I know that twenty years later I would end up going down the same road of addiction as him.
Mario is the greatest person to ever play professional sports.
Why would you cry for hours after seeing that live? I call bullshit on that, or these were early signs of mental problems that you would suffer from later in life.
Mario and others helped Stevens a great deal when he had fallen .....Similar to the spiritual message in Footprints.......Kevin please continue to be strong ....those footprints are now yours as you help others who have fallen....god bless you Kevin
Welcome back to the land of the living, Kevin. You are a good man. I have helped addicts myself (family) and the story of your recovery is amazing. God bless you and yours, Brother.
This is inspiring and heartfelt...Everyone has a struggle with something. Glad that he found the strength to fight it all and get himself the recovery he needed. It is hard when you fight it alone, he had the right people in his corner who did not give up on him. True" It's when you are in the darkest place that you start to think about your life.
Great ending to a sad story! As a Devils fan, I always preferred our Stevens, but it's great to see Kevin sober and I love the continued camaraderie of Mario and Co.!
Wow this was great, I’m speechless. What a guy! I love these stories bigger than the game. So inspirational and it brings hope to do many people who Are also struggling. That Judge made the right call!
Kevin Stevens talk to my high school team at the New England sports plex. Great story. Crazy what drugs can do from someone from the town next to me
This is such a blessed story. Many things about this is so true. People that have addiction. And or demons. Live a life that destroys their life. It is great to see how this finished. Scott you are blessed more then can be seen. Keep the faith and the hard work. My brother has gone through this too. It's a tough road. But the tough just get tougher. Thoughts to you brother
Loved Kevin Steven’s !! What a hockey player !! Stay strong stay healthy stay sober !!!
Mario has saved Pittsburgh, hockey, and Kevin 🤗💞💕 now he is back in town dealing with Mario 💖💗💓 I have always loved Kevin 🤗❤️ may you stay in the right direction and right place 💕💞🌹 God bless you 😇
Being from
Brockton this guy was a favorite of mine even tho I grew up a bruins fan. I was lucky enough to meet his brother who did business with my fathers hospital.. when keven found out I was a huge fan at 16 years old my dad came home one night with a gift from him. Was a bunch of autographed pictures pucks all kinds of stuff. And the kicker was there were 2 tickets behind the bruins goaltender... and it was the game where cam Neely got his hands on ulf, yes that game.....epic gift to a young fan, always grateful and wish you the best on your journey... thank you!
Good to have Mario around... glad Kevin is doing better! When I was 11 I had tears in my eyes when I found out Mario was sick and was worried that he might die
instablaster...
I once walked by Mario Lemieux when he was with friends/family on street. I didn't bother him, but he smiled at my 2 little kids. That was good enough for me.
Kevin Stevens. Wholeheartedly added to my inner wall of true heroes. Love you Kevin. And thanx!!🏒🥅
I’m hearing it now, eventually I’ll listen.
Life is fast and hard.
With open ears life slows down, and readable.
No words ,no story, no life.
You guys are great in my books.
Show us the way Mr Stevens.
Blessings to the Lemieux family...key part of this real life story. God bless you...
When I first got introduced to hockey in the late 80s, Kevin Stevens was a vital cog of the team I'd picked to follow (mostly because of their unusual mascot). Lost sight of him, as probably many did, and it hurt my soul to later hear what became of the guy. So happy he appears to be heading in the right direction... and so proud of my Pens of being there for him again and again
The judge made a good call not putting Kevin Stevens in prison. Keep up the good work Kevin many need to hear your story.
great show learned alot and good luck here on out Kevin,you lucky you have family and friends that love you.
Thank you Kevin for sharing your story. Accepting that you're a prisoner to a substance you DO NOT need is the first step. I'm breaking OUT tonight! God Bless you
Thank You! God Bless
What a sad beautiful story of redemption. God blessed you, Kevin Stevens, so that you can bless others. And who is a better person than Mario? What a kind class act he is.
Congratulations Kevin! I’m pushing 6 months in a couple days! Stories like yours make me want to keep going...
Are you staying sober? Hope so..one day at a time
@@aphysique January 11th I hit 16 months! Still on the wagon! Working on applying for pre-law atm!
@@BoboMcBooboy awesome, congrats 👏
@@BoboMcBooboy !!!! LOVE reading this
Beautiful story of recovery x
Great video... Sad to see such a great player flush it all down the toilet....Much better to see him finally starting to make things right again.
Mario Lemieux I watched your entire career from the day you entered the NHL, to the day you retired , all your success, and struggles, you are truly an amazing person and Kevin is so luck to have all his teammates stand bye him bless you all.
I am so glad to see your road to recovery. I wish you continue every day down this path. It is a hard road, May god bless you.
Much love Kevin, you're still amazing!!
I hope & pray you keep going Kevin. God bless you man!
Very brave guy, very fortunate to have guys like Mario and others have his back for so long. That about sums up true human love and compassion, massive respect for all, great documentary.
I can remember the 1st time like it was yesterday , it has destroyed my Life lost 15 years to Prison , Every day is struggle no one knows what's behind my smile cause I don't show it as I watched this Hotels/ Hookers / Cops / Jail / Can't hold a job / money issues/ it just SUCKS !!! Wishing you The Best cause I get it and hopefully all of that is behind you / One Day At A Time / Stay Focus and God Bless !!
I'm 41 years old I've been struggling with this disease of drug addiction since I was 16 right now I'm stable at a methadone clinic seeing a psychiatrist and doing therapy but it's a battle every day my head tells me to go get something just a horrific disease to fight!
Its how you survive the hardships and pitfalls of life and addiction is what makes you a better person. I believe Kevin makes it!
Inspiring story. Kevin, you are an inspiration. Mario, you should be proud of this. You did not have to do it, but you chose to do it. This might be greater than all you have already accomplished. But you know as well as me that Kevin did all the work. Thank you.
Good luck Kevin and thank you for all the nights I yelled at the tv...not a big Pittsburgh fan but am a true fan of stories of love, hope and survival. An alcohol addict for 30 years and sober for 6... I too lost it all..thanks Mario for not giving up and letting love lead.
Go Kevin - saw you play my Jets many times. Keep going.
Wow what a wonderful story of redemption! Stevens comes across as a very humble man. And you can’t say enough about Super Mario--what a class act. A big part of a well lived life is trying to help other people. You will realize who your friends are when you are down and out. The great Mario Lemieux is a loving teammate, friend and businessman through and through. This story gives me hope.
I’ve known Mario since he was a kid what a great man he turned out to be. God bless you Kevin.
We love you Kevin! Stay strong! We’re hear for you
Amazing people Mario, Kevin, Kevin's family. God bless you all.
I hope he stays clean I'm rooting for you again!! From one drug addict to another! Stay strong Kevin 👊
Boston legend! Great story! Best of luck on your journey
What a story..I’m so happy he has his life together...stay strong 💪...make your own happiness ☝️
What a person, it takes guts to do a documentary like that. But he needs help, like someone with cancer. Deep care and competent doctors. And still it will be a struggle for the rest of his life.
My best wishes for you Kevin Stevens!
He was so tough and so good. As a Rangers fan, I was always VERY jealous that we couldn't get a guy like him - until Adam Graves came in. By the time Sevens did come, he was at the end of the road. I hope he continues down a positive road and hope his friends help him up when he stumbles.
I am a penguins fan I live here in Pittsburgh I think that was a very good piece thank you for sharing that I never seen it before I've been a penguins fan for 35 years good piece glad he bounced back.
chris irwin I live in the burgh too and I’m only 19 so I didn’t know anything about him honestly but I’m a huge Pens fan so this was a nice video
If you haven't been down Kevin's path before, this video meant very little to you. I'm glad Sportsnet posted this and better yet hats off to Kevin and Mario plus friends.
Right on! I hope Kevin stays clean!
Great story about something that could destroy anyone of us.Good luck Kevin.
Bravo to all the guys that stuck with him, you guys are champs on and off the ice
I’ve been struggling to quit drinking and smoking weed. It’s been really a tough road. I’m trying my best now. It’s been a week I quit. Started working out. Feeling good and strong. Thank you Lord 🙏🏽. I know it’s not an easy task but I will do my best this time. It’s time for a good change. Amen 🙏🏽🙏🏽
❤️ Mario, massive heart, god bless him, and Kevin
Took the right instead of the left. One day at a time. We all go down a road that we look back and say, that wasn't the road to take. Some make it, some don't. I did. Good luck on your new life. Thanks for sharing your story of falling down and getting a chance to stand back up.
Hey it’s good to have friends ,real ones! Love to ya Kevin keep ur head up! Wow, what it must be like to have Mr.Lemieux as a pal! Humble and caring person ! There’s a role model kids ! Great team back in the 90’s .
It's hard to hear this, goodness I'd be heartbroken if he sold both of his rings for drugs. This video has a powerful message about addiction as well as how people can overcome stuff when working together
I lost my wife for 3 years, I know happens and to the best people.
Kevin is working his best work now!