The Crazy Game | Clint Malarchuk | TEDxCarsonCity

Former NHL Goalie Clint Malarchuk opens up about his struggles with mental illness, depression, suicide and recovery in this raw and emotional talk. Malarchuk is most notably known for an on-ice accident while tending the goal for the Buffalo Sabres. Clint’s jugular vein was severed by a skate and he almost died on the ice. Following the accident, Clint lived with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression; he later survived a suicide attempt that finally led him to treatment and recovery. Clint’s book The Crazy Game: How I Survived The Crease And Beyond was just the beginning of his Mental Health Advocacy and charity work. Now, Clint speaks around North America on mental health, PTSD, depression, suicide, and his personal struggles with mental illness and how it affects an individual.
Clint's 2014 memoir is called The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond (Canada Title) or A Matter Of Inches:How I survived in the Crease and Beyond (US Title)
Malarchuk, who was born in Grand Prairie, Alberta,
played professionally in the NHL for the Quebec Nordiques, the Washington Capitals, and the Buffalo Sabres, and in the IHL for the San Diego Gulls and the Las Vegas Thunder. After leaving the NHL as a player, he served as head coach of the Las Vegas Thunder & the Idaho Steelheads and a goaltending coach for the NHL Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Atlanta Thrashers and Calgary Flames. Malarchuk is most notably known for an on ice accident while tending goal for the Buffalo Sabres. Clint’s jugular vein was severed by a skate and he almost died right on the ice. Living with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression Malarchuk survived a suicide attempt which finally led too treatment and recovery. Clint’s book The Crazy Game: How I Survived The Crease And Beyond was the beginning of his Mental Health Advocacy and charity work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@sweetpepino1907]

Not to diminish either event, but it says a lot that he can joke about nearly bleeding out on national television, but struggles to talk about his suicide attempt. Mental illness is real, mercurial, and incredibly powerful. You cannot underestimate it.

[@k.lazare8927]

It really shows that mental scars are more severe than physical scars. Much respect!

[@xsyumyt1359]

This man is a legend he survived a gun shot wound into his skull and survived get his carotid artery being cut

[@Flyingwithdale]

God wasn't ready for him to die. He's alive to spread awareness on mental illness.

[@liamo7045]

And jugular

[@pdubcentral]

Icewallow come I feel like you genuinely missed the entire point of this video! He didn’t just survive oh the gun shot or the artery. He survived depression anxiety OCD and man that’s an awful combination and then severe ptsd which no kidding. He was awake for that whole incident. That’s the message here. People survive physical injuries everyday. But people don’t realize that suicide is in the top 3 causes of death particularly in Canada and the states. The rate is extremely high especially now in young people, but overall ages 15-44. And that’s just the people who die, that’s not even anywhere close to the attempts. This many survived his, and he even bigger, he’s helping other people. That’s a hero.

[@chellefell1331]

just internal jugular.

[@rudavalek]

And alcohol

[@AnthonyJoseph756]

Godbless Clint

[@MR_Wild]

Remember watching this guy play as a kid, he was one of the best goaltenders in the NHL in his prime. Either of those two events should have ended him. It's very apparent this man is here for a reason.

[@kyledodson2992]

Clint you saved me

[@sweetlilcollector]

*“We can see a broken arm, we always can’t see mental illness.”* Damn

[@sarahdeaver4981]

Who ever uploaded this needed to turn the volume way up

[@HotThanCold]

This man had a very sad life but fortunately he turned his life around and is now a inspiration for others

[@johndwhite6301]

Clint, your life is a great testimony that lets other know they're not alone. Thank you.

[@gobills7163]

incredible. i’m from buffalo, was a month old when the infamous malarchuck incident happened and grew up only knowing that he lived. never knew the depth of the MAN himself. Going through similar things this is truly inspiring and I hope he knows what this means to others - the opus of his life’s work is this. God Bless you Clint - I’ll get back on that horse.

[@kellysavalas5937]

This is what I love most about Clint Malarchuk. Every story you hear from or about him is an amazing story of will, strength, courage...and survival. I thank God you are still here with us sharing stories.

[@mckno8798]

"It's a cutthroat town" oh my god, king

[@LukeBCtown]

How powerful depression is that the man who nearly died from this gruesome injury can make it seem like just a blip in his life.

[@jeffreybauer1552]

And for it happen again in of all places

[@RussXnimbusX42]

I absolutely love Clint. He's still my favorite Capitals goaltender of all time. May God bless you, Clint. You are such a nice guy and the little kid from Marlton remembers you taking the time to say hi and sometimes play street hockey with us.

[@jackiecartwright9343]

Thank you for sharing. Very uplifting to see your journey go in the right direction. Not easy, but you did it. Keep it up! And thank you for helping our four legged friends!!!

[@lilysarahs1822]

one of the best saves and he almost died doing it!!!

[@garyedwardgray7549]

Wow! Makes me so happy to see this. I knew Clint had his issues. It made me very sad to learn since much of his trouble seemed to come AFTER his horrific injury. One might hope that such an event would bring a new lease on life and he’d be on the right path. It didn’t happen. Such a tragic life, despite reaching the dreams of being a professional athlete. And now this??? What a magnificent turnaround. I’m so happy for Clint. He’s a good person thrown in a bad situation. I’m so happy that he’s gained this stability. Very pleased for him.

[@tonibarbaro2202]

Wow. His story is so captivating. I wish I would have discovered Clint and his story earlier, but I’m so thankful for him speaking out. God kept him on this earth for a reason❤️

[@kenoesch668]

Clint you are a great human .

[@SuperheroDon]

Thank you Clint. Thank you so very much!!!!

[@thiagoferreiraruiz8897]

what an amazing story. Im a fan of nhl and a buffalo´s suporter and seeing this made me became a real fan of malarchuck. This was so inspirational in so many ways. Good to see you strong and ready to help others to survive from all of theirs struggles. Amazing

[@JulieR73]

Such a great man! He’s got an amazing sense of humor! God bless him!

[@barktwid7057]

This guy is awesome.

[@walterdavies6434]

not really. quite the opposite

[@jennifermillestad9917]

This video needs more views!

[@mimibelle76]

This was inspiring. Ty so much Clint!

[@Punkpsychobilly]

This was AWESOME!! I started by watching hockey fight videos, came across Clint’s story (as a hockey fan growing up in the 80’s, I have NO idea how I missed it...), I watched his survival video and then this TED talk. I had no idea that my KZbin journey today would lead me to this. I’ve suffered from depression and suicide thoughts my whole life, and I believe I have suffered PTSD from an abusive relationship with a covert narcissist. I was in tears by the end of this. Once again, hockey has shown the way. Than you, Clint, for your story.

[@jonnunya2601]

Literally the same as me except I'm not a hockey fan. I was debating watching a video about hockey injuries but for some reason i watched it and brought me here as well. And I have PTSD undiagnosed but I'm not exactly sure why. I've had a few very traumatic events happen to me and can't pinpoint what's causing my issues or maybe a combination of all.

[@Punkpsychobilly]

@Jon, People tend to associate ptsd with the military, but the truth is, any traumatic event can trigger ptsd. Remember, trauma is all relative, so just because you didn’t see your best friend get his head blown off on the battlefield doesn’t mean that your life events are any less traumatic. It’s very serious, and I think a lot more people have ptsd and don’t realize it. Feel free to talk about it if you want, sometimes it feels better to get it out. Hope you’re keeping well.

[@pdubcentral]

Jon Taylor I was thinking when Clint got diagnosed how the doctor didn’t ask him about his dad. And how Clint himself said it doesn’t matter what led to what, the fact is he has ptsd, and needs treatment. That’s the message. I have so much trauma from almost ten years with IBD and being told I had chronic pain. That I was just going to live the rest of my life in pain. That’s a hard thing to take in especially as a 20 year old having already had four years of trauma and pain as a teenager. I could never pin point one thing that gave me trauma there’s so much. But what’s important is the right meds and proper therapy. Unfortunately b3cauae of my physical illness it’s been really hard to get t proper consistent councilling. But I’m still fighting. I admire others who are fighting everyday as well. And Clint is pretty much my hero

[@DrLuke49]

Keep on keeping on, Clint!

[@keith1291]

are you a sabres fan?

[@dans9206]

I am a huge hockey fan and remember the skate blade accident as clear as day. But the rest of the story is the first time I'm hearing about this. Yours is a truly remarkable story of courage. When I found myself tearing up hearing your story I realized that alot if not all of my assumptions about suicide and mental illness were ill informed. Thank you for telling your story.... My eyes and heart were opened. I hope you're still involved in the game of hockey either as a coach professionally or at the youth level. Your unique and inspirational story would be motivational for any hockey player. God bless you and your family!

[@ronpiticco7222]

Atta boy Clint thanks for sharing and calling it out for what it is, the hockey gods are with you.

[@cameronm2877]

What a legend

[@eleanorgloria]

Wow this was so powerful. I am so grateful to here him tell his story. As someone who suffers from mental illness I felt so many parts of his story so deeply. His sincerity and humour in the face of so much suffering is incredible

[@JP_HKY]

I love Clint

[@mlee81]

Glad he's doing ok and being an inspiration to others struggling. Working in Healthcare, I've had a couple suicide attempts. One thing all of them had in common is that they regretted what they did and did not truly want to die. Thus country needs to do better with mental health.

[@lofty97]

Dam this is powerful

[@ragej3832]

what an amazing ted talk

[@paulmcanally6330]

Brought tears to my eyes 😢 Thank you Clint for sharing your courageous story! 👏🏼

[@froyodor]

This needs more views and comments smh. God bless him

[@robdegregorio6508]

Thank you for sharing Clint.

[@robertcorozza7212]

Very inspirational, Clint. You are someone others can learn from.

[@craigfazekas3923]

I saw Clint play live at The Aud in Buffalo, on Halloween 1990 vs. Boston Bruins. I was well aware of the on ice incident, and viewed him with wonder. (3-3 tie, BTW)

[@ClutchEveryTime]

This video legit made me cry :(

[@audreyh.2912]

He's one of the strongest men i've ever heard of. You are a blessing Clint

[@easygoing2479]

Wonderful presentation, so helpful. Anyone who has been touched by PTSD can appreciate Clint's experience. I know by personal experience that it's important to kindly suggest to those who are having problems to visit with a counselor, one who will simply give a good listening ear. A kind, caring word is needed. Anyone who knew Clint from his early days would probably know about his determination, his 'obsessive' way, but only a therapist could link all of that together with the trauma of that night on the ice. His childhood determination to prove his self-worth and to find recognition for his skills are the exact same things that drove the skate incident into the dark corners of his mind. But... stuff like that has to come out. It's unstoppable. Great job, Clint Malarchuk.

[@ghx198]

I love this man.

[@happyslapper0325]

I just finished his book. This man is an inspiration

[@craigfazekas3923]

Hmmm...what's the book's title ?

[@happyslapper0325]

@@craigfazekas3923 it's called "The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond" it's a great read

[@craigfazekas3923]

Thanks, man !!

[@pdubcentral]

happyslapper0325 thanks dude definitely going to read it. This man is amazing I’m so glad he made it here to help so many people including myself. To iBooks!

[@dvsdeadpool7915]

Honestly he such a nice guy he is my neighbor

[@ForeverAlansGirl]

Aww, Clint..my heart just breaks for you. I think your home life caused your anxiety. My ptsd started as a kid. So proud of you for doing so well. Hang in there, sweetheart..it's one day at a time. {{{ hugs}}} from Ontario. ❤🏒🇨🇦

[@pdubcentral]

I feel like so many people genuinely missed the entire point of this video! He didn’t just survive oh the gun shot or the artery. He survived depression anxiety OCD and man that’s an awful combination and then severe ptsd which no kidding. He was awake for that whole incident. That’s the message here. People survive physical injuries everyday. But people don’t realize that suicide is in the top 3 causes of death particularly in Canada and the states. The rate is extremely high especially now in young people, but overall ages 15-44. And that’s just the people who die, that’s not even anywhere close to the attempts. This man survived his, and even bigger, he’s helping other people. That’s a hero.

[@tylerbean542]

Wisdom.

[@GlassFortress31]

Clint, you are a hockey player sir! You honestly were an inspiration to me playing injured, and understanding what it means to be a hockey player. It sucks the NHL didnt really do much for you man. If I could sit down with you I would savor the opportunity

[@syzygy2464]

one of the worst parts about growing up with abuse, and the ptsd that it leaves behind, is that you're always going to carry those feelings with you. Just being aware of that, which is one thing counseling can help you come to terms with, is the first huge step. Understanding that the conditioning of your childhood doesn't have to define your entire life.

[@jimmyf9545]

This is my life without the superstardom....and I haven't quite gotten to happiness yet.

[@toms81162]

He sounds a lot better in this video as opposed to the last one I watched. He even laughs in this one.

[@shannonbrazil6135]

He had to survive being a survivor.

[@alexvyriotes4219]

This man survived a cut to the jugular and a shot to the head. How is he not dead.

[@bxtr6817]

I love hockey

[@vurnkarl6506]

Baxter And a puppy shut up poo poo hed

[@JP_HKY]

I think I first watched this in the 30 year anniversary exactly and now I’m rewatching it again the next year on the same time ish late March I display thst coincidence or irony

[@TonyDanger]

I remember him in San Diego with the Gulls.

[@Azzark]

Bro im speechless now I know 2 people that survived the most insane situations

[@voyager5174]

what's the other if you don't mind me asking?

[@Azzark]

@@voyager5174 Ross Capicchioni

[@robertross7666]

@@Azzark Ross has a crazy story, have you listened to the song by Joyner Lucas about him?

[@Azzark]

@@robertross7666 yeah of course and I linked it to people a few days ago

[@thea1407]

damn...

[@thomasfleming5420]

Shame on the 5 people that disliked this video.

[@kidwave1]

Clint thank X a million! You are a blessed man, who seems he finally realizes it. This talk is helping so many people. I will pray for you brother! Never doubt Jesus loves you!

[@talentedhypocrite2082]

At the age of 10 I was hit by a car pretty significant injuries Thursday I have similar issues by the way I also played for years junior hockey thunder bay Toronto Montreal Hockey is a tremendous game tremendous distraction

[@Homiesfirstbeforegirls]

woah

[@edalder2000]

I have been a Washington Capitals fan for 30 years. Malarchuk actually played in DC before he went to Buffalo. Anyway, in 2008, Richard Zednik was skating when another player fell and the guy's skate cut Zednik's carotid artery. Zednik skated to the bench-trailing blood. He was quickly taken off the ice. Zednik was alert and the bleeding was put under control. Zednik had surgery to repair the cut. Richard Zednik recieved counseling ad missed the rest of the season.

[@dealy9268]

Clint needs to talk o Mark Pavelich.

[@JP_HKY]

I. Health-mental-ocd-uncertainty-others

[@JP_HKY]

I have OCD it’s mental health ik everyois diffrent in best and the types and gugugug but yah it’s mental health

[@ferdawssultani9741]

Ted your videos are was better than Kai’s

[@jackmehoff2847]

Lol i was here looking for him to talk about his neck slitting

[@syzygy2464]

go away edgy teenager

[@rudavalek]

God: who wants to live forever? Clint: me not!

[@davejohansson4540]

You didnt mention your wife in this interview and im so dissappointed in you.She is amazing and you should tell her that everyday.

[@wolverine4ever38]

Do you tell your wife that everyday Mr. Johansson? If not shut your pie hole.