Mighty Ducks’ Ozolinsh leaves team for treatment – report

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Anaheim Mighty Ducks defenseman
Sandis Ozolinsh has voluntarily entered the NHL’s
substance-abuse and behavioral health program, the Los Angeles
Times, quoting league, players’ union and team officials,
reported on its website on Friday.

The 33-year-old, who earlier this month was named to
Latvia’s Olympic team for the Turin Games, will receive
treatment at an undisclosed facility, the newspaper said.

He will leave the team for an indefinite period determined
by administering physicians, NHL spokesman Frank Brown told the
LA Times.

Neither league nor union officials, who are prohibited from
commenting on substance-abuse cases, disclosed the exact nature
of Ozolinsh’s problem, the newspaper said.

“We certainly support Sandis’ decision,” Mighty Ducks
general manager Brian Burke told the newspaper. “I’ve spoken to
his wife (Sandra) and made it clear that anything they need
from us is theirs for the asking.

“Essentially, this is a disease and what is required to
deal with substance abuse is, one, top medical support. Second
is the support from your peers and family and friends. Third is
the willpower of the individual. We feel we can deliver the
first two.”

Team officials became concerned when Ozolinsh, a six-time
All-Star, failed to show up for practice on Monday. He then
missed the team bus on Tuesday as the Ducks left for their
current road trip.

Ozolinsh had been injured since straining his left knee on
November 27. He had hoped to rejoin the team this week.