Alex Galchenyuk has broken his silence after a reported incident involving Scottsdale police that resulted in the termination of his contract with the Arizona Coyotes last week.
In an open letter addressed to the team, his teammates, and Coyotes fans, the 29-year-old expressed remorse after he had allegedly threatened and used a racial slur toward officers responding to a hit-and-run incident last Friday.
“My behavior last week was deeply offensive, uncalled for, horrendous, embarrassing, disrespectful and just plain awful,” Galchenyuk wrote in the letter released via Twitter on Tuesday. “I let you all down and I am truly sorry.”
Galchenyuk also shared that he would be checking himself into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, expressing in his letter that his behaviour while inebriated is not representative of who he is as a person.
Signed by the Coyotes on July 1st to a one-year, two-way contract, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native had his contract voided less than two weeks later after his arrest on July 9th on multiple charges, including private property hit-and-run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest, and threatening or Intimidating.
According to a police report obtained by 12News on Friday, Galchenyuk allegedly made violent threats towards officers responding to a hit-and-run incident the player was involved in.
“I will end your bloodline,” Galchenyuk allegedly told police.”One phone call and you’re dead.”
The NHL veteran allegedly threatened to “chop” and disembowel an officer and members of his family. An African-American officer also accused Galchenyuk of uttering a racial slur.
There’s no word on whether the NHLPA plans to file a grievance on the termination as of yet, with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reporting that the union is “still contemplating” whether they plan to move forward on the matter, per NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh.
“I was very much looking forward to starting my life with my wife here in Arizona, playing alongside some of the best in the NHL and entertaining the incredible fan base the Coyotes have built here,” Galchenyuk added in his statement. “By checking myself into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, I hope to get the help I need and to ensure I never make a mistake like this again.”
Since being selected 3rd overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the once highly-touted forward has been well-traveled throughout his NHL career. Galchenyuk has suited up for seven different teams across his career, including the Coyotes, with whom he has had two stints during the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons.
Last season, Galchenyuk split time between the NHL and the American Hockey League with the Colorado Avalanche and their affiliate Colorado Eagles. In 42 AHL games, the pivot tallied 16 goals and 42 points, while failing to register a point at the NHL level in 11 appearances with the Avalanche.
