It was early Sunday afternoon, and I was taking off my shoes in our players’ lounge when I kept hearing my phone buzz. Someone was calling repeatedly. I immediately got an uneasy, sick feeling when I looked at the screen and saw who was calling. It was my close friend Missy. She was hysterical. “Steve’s gone,” she said. My best friend in hockey, Steve Montador, was found dead in his home at age 35. Steve was a 12-year NHL vet who battled drug and alcohol addiction at certain points in his career. Since he walked away from the game due to concussions in 2013, he was struggling to figure out what to do next. But I was still in complete shock and disbelief. For some reason, I started getting dressed for the pre-game skate. As a hockey player, you’re just taught to push through the pain, no matter what. I got pretty close to getting halfway dressed when I started putting on my skates. I glanced across the room and saw the stall Monty used to sit in when we played together. I heard his deep, hearty laugh. I broke down. ___________ Chicago Blackhawks left wing Daniel Carcillo opens up about the death of his friend Steve Montador and why the NHL community can't be silent about mental health issues anymore. Introducing The Players’ Tribune, a new media platform that will present the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and to publish first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune will strive to be “The Voice of the Game.” Follow The Players' Tribune on Twitter: bit.ly/1DfngvD Keep up with The Players' Tribune on Facebook: on.fb.me/1BVpPpn Subscribe to our YouTube: bit.ly/1xgoVfZ Visit our website: www.theplayerstribune.com/

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