The Predators have started filtering back into town as they finish their All-Star / bye week break. They come back to a different team as Austin Watson has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL. According to the release from the NHL, Watson’s suspension is "related exclusively to his ongoing issues with alcohol abuse…"
Watson has been admitted into Stage 2 of the NHL’s substance abuse and behavioral health program according to a joint statement from the NHL and the NHLPA. It is a sad next chapter in a player that was really trying to turn the corner.
Austin was unusually personal in an Instagram post a few weeks ago, taking full responsibility for his actions and the events of last June that led to his arrest for domestic violence. That post, along with a conversation I had with Austin and Jenn on Christmas Eve at church gave me a real sense of optimism and love between the two of them as they proudly introduced me to their beautiful baby girl. The caring and pride was palpable, the sense of moving forward was evident. It warmed my heart and gave me incredible hope for the future of this family.
I still have that hope… recovery is a long and difficult journey, made even more difficult as you try and do it in the public eye. This disease is real and the struggle is real… and deadly serious. Breaking the cycle of relapse is just not easy or simple as Watson has admitted that he has been battling alcoholism since he was 18… add in depression and anxiety and it’s a recipe for trouble.
The impact to the Predators is substantial, Watson has been a key cog in the team… but that is of much lesser importance at this moment. This is not about hockey, it is about the Watson family and recovery. I refuse to be judgmental on this situation, because there but for the grace of God go you or I.
I wish Austin, Jenn and Olivia the strength, courage and wisdom that they require as they recover and repair their family.
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The Where We Stand section
As play resumes for the league, Nashville is in the second slot in the Central Division, two points behind the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg holds two games in hand over Nashville. The Preds lead Minnesota by nine points, Colorado and Dallas by 12 points.
Nashville currently holds the 4 seed in the Western Conference playoff race and has a 99.6% chance of making the playoffs according to SportsClubStats.com… the “85% chance… line stands at 90 points right now.
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Please join us for SlapShot Radio tonight as we have our annual mid-season roundtable. We will review the first half+ of the season, take a look at the trade deadline needs of this team and look to the future. The Voice of the Predators, Pete Weber will be with us for the entire hour, so please join the coach Brent Peterson, our third man in Zack McCann and me at 7pm tonight on 102.5 the Game. You can listen on line at thegamenashville.com
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------------------------------------- SlapShot Radio’s 11th season is on! As the longest running hockey show in the region, SSR feeds hockey fans what they crave… intelligent, fun, entertaining talk about their favorite sport and we do it from the opening of training camp all the way through UFA day. We are on every Wednesday at 7pm. Please join Brent Peterson, Zack McCann and me on 102.5 the Game.
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