NHL’s Alex Galchenyuk ‘beyond embarrassed’ over ‘despicable’ behavior during arrest

Alex Galchenyuk announced on Twitter that he will be reviewing the NHL and NHLPA player assistance program following his recent arrest.

The 29-year-old was arrested on charges of hit and run private propertydisorderly conduct, noncompliance, resisting arrest, and threat or intimidation.

Galchenyuk, who was born in the United States to Belarusian parents, said he could make one “phone call” to contacts in Russia, “and they would all be dead,” according to police.

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Alex Galchenyuk #17 of the Arizona Coyotes watches the play during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Center on March 27, 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)

He also allegedly told a police officer that he was “going to cut you, your wife, [and] his daughter.”

Galchenyuk took to Twitter to discuss his behaviour, which he called “horrible”, “despicable” and “disrespectful”.

“I am deeply ashamed of my recent behavior and I am so sorry to everyone I have offended and hurt,” Galchenyuk said in a statement on Tuesday. “It wasn’t necessary, it was horrible and it ruined this great new opportunity the Coyotes gave me. I am beyond ashamed and disappointed in myself and I feel so bad for everyone I have let down. My family counted on me to be better, the Coyotes and the amazing Coyotes fans deserve better and the brave police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe deserve better.I let you all down with my despicable and disrespectful behavior after drinking alcohol.Today, I am signing up for the Customer Assistance Program NHL/NHLPA player. I’m doing this to get the help I need and I hope I never make a mistake like this again.”

Alex Galchenyuk #17 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during the NHL game at Gila River Arena on December 15, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

COYOTES RELEASE ALEX GALCHENYUK LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER DEAL AFTER HIT-AND-RUN ARREST

Galchenyuk is also alleged to have used a racial slur towards an officer-in-training during his apparent outburst. Police said Galchenyuk told officers that he was joking about the threats.

He was released from the Coyotes just 12 days after signing a one-year contract with them. The move came less than a week after the arrest.

This was to be his third stint with the organization. He also played for them in 2018-2019 and 2021-2022.

The Montreal Canadiens selected Galchenyuk with the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, and he spent his first six seasons there.

Alex Galchenyuk warming up

Alex Galchenyuk #17 of the Arizona Coyotes prepares for a game against the Nashville Predators at Gila River Arena on April 29, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Since then he has played for the Coyotes, pittsburgh penguinsMinnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and two AHL teams in the past five seasons.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

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