The Stockton Heat had a strong performance last season, capped off with an appearance in the Calder Cup playoffs. One player that didn’t factor into their playoff run was 2013 first round selection Emile Poirier. The Calgary Flames prospect had faded into the background a bit organizationally and outright disappeared following a Feb. 18 game against Bakersfield. The reason? A “personal leave” from the game of hockey, which Poirier explained when chatting with the media during Flames development camp.
“I had some issues regarding drinking off the ice,” said Poirier. “I called [Brad Treliving] for support. I needed help, and he’s been truly supportive through the process.