Samuel Girard found the help he needed, and has been inspirational story for Avalanche ever since: “He's in a better place”

The tears trickling down Tony Girard's cheeks would have flowed in straight lines were it not for a smile as wide as Quebec diverting their path. A couple of his son's friends skated over and waived to Tony and the rest of the Girard family. It was Samuel Girard's first time back in his home province with the Avalanche since taking a leave of absence from the team to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. “It's been a long road but I'm glad I'm in a good spot now,” Samuel Girard told The Denver Post.