Mighty Ducks' Ozolinsh leaves team for treatment - report
Posted on: Friday, 30 December 2005, 11:20 CST
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.
Source: REUTERS
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