How The Cowboy Goalie suffered the most traumatic injury in NHL history and dodged death twice 

Clint Malarchuk is no stranger to danger. As a former professional NHL goaltender, he faced pucks flying at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, and he knew that any mistake could result in serious injury or even death. However, it was not on the ice where Malarchuk faced his biggest challenges, but in his personal life.

In 1989, Malarchuk suffered a gruesome injury to the ice that left him with a severed jugular vein. As he lay on the ice, bleeding profusely, he thought that he was going to die. However, thanks to the quick thinking of the team's trainer, who pinched off the vein with his bare hands, Malarchuk survived.

But that was not the end of his brushes with death. In 2008, Malarchuk attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chin with a .22-caliber rifle. The bullet went through his jaw and exited through his cheek, but somehow missed any major arteries or organs. Malarchuk was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair the damage.

After these two close calls, Malarchuk decided that he wanted to use his experiences to help others. He became an advocate for mental health awareness and started speaking publicly about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He also wrote a memoir, "A Matter of Inches: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond," which detailed his hockey career and his battles with mental illness.

In addition to his advocacy work, Malarchuk also works as a mental health coach, helping others who are struggling with similar issues. He has spoken at conferences and events across North America, sharing his story and encouraging others to seek help when they need it.

Clint Malarchuk's NHL career

Clint Malarchuk is a retired NHL goaltender who played for six different teams during his career, spanning from 1981 to 1996. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to make acrobatic saves.

Malarchuk was born on May 1, 1961, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. He began his junior hockey career playing for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League. In the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected by the Quebec Nordiques in the third round, 45th overall.

Malarchuk made his NHL debut in the 1981-82 season, appearing in three games for the Nordiques. However, it wasn't until the 1984-85 season that he became a regular starter in the NHL, playing in 51 games for the Nordiques and recording a 3.57 goals-against average (GAA).

In 1987, Malarchuk was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he spent two seasons as their starting goaltender. He then moved on to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played from 1989 to 1992. During his time with the Sabres, he was named to the NHL All-Star team in 1991.

Malarchuk's career continued after his injury, but he was never the same player he had been before. He spent time with the Quebec Nordiques, the Washington Capitals, and the San Jose Sharks before retiring from the NHL in 1996. He has appeared in 338 games and has a 2.89 GAA and a .885 save percentage in his career.