NHL coach saved Flames young star who struggled with alcoholism

The Athletic's Craig s Custance new book “Behind the Bench profiles 10 current or former NHL coaches": John Tortorella, Dan Bylsma, Ron Wilson, Mike Babcock, Bob Hartley, Todd McLellan, Mike Sullivan, Joel Quenneville, Ken Hitchcock, and Claude Julien. 

In a touching memory described by Hartley, the former Calgary Flames head coach recalls one of the most difficult moment of his career. Hartley experienced tragedy in Atlanta when his player Dan Snyder died in a car crash. While he was in the hospital, Hartley and his wife brought meals so his player’s family would not have to eat at the cafeteria. Hartley explained that he got the tragic news from the player's mother when he attended a Atlanta Braves game. 

The terrible experience made him aware of one of his Flames players' serious problem. Hartley recognized that Micheal Ferland needed help with his alcoholism and used the Snyder accident as powerful motivation. 

“I told Ferly, ‘I already saw one of my players buried, I don’t need a second. We’re here to help you,’ ” Hartley said. “Ferly started to break up. Cried like a baby. He came around my desk, gave me a hug, and said, ‘Please, help me. I don’t know what to do.’ ” 

It sure looks like Ferland is doing better. Under Glen Gulutzan, the 25-year-old has most recently been doing well on a line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

Hartley's heartfelt story touched Ferland, and surely many others...