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Former Oiler fan favourite recalls personal rock bottom, gives his take on team this season
Former Oilers fan favourite Ladislav Smid joined the Got Yer Back Podcast and gave a fantastic interview on a few big topics.
Now 39 years old, the Czech defenceman played 8 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers between 2006 and 2014. He played on some very bad Oilers teams, but still became a fan favourite for his tough play and great personality.
Ladislav Smid opens up on personal rock bottom, opinion of Oilers this season
Speaking in the interview, Smid recalled a time just a few years ago when he was abusing drugs and alcohol which lead to a seizure. He credited his wife and family for sticking by him, and he's been able to better himself since.
It was a touching and vulnerable moment, and a valuable message for anyone else who is struggling.
«I retired from hockey and I moved from Europe to Canada. And yeah, I just hit the rough patch and you know, like playing hockey, you know, like you have fun, you have fun, you know, you have some drinks, but that's kind of stuff got out of hands after I retired. And you know, I was drinking a lot, I was doing drugs and I hit the rock bottom.
This stuff was going on for like six months. Nobody knew I was hiding everything from everyone. Like I said, rock bottom, vicious circle.
And who got my back was my family, especially my wife. You know, she stood by my side. Like crazy, like I owe her everything, you know.
- Ladislav Smid
This stuff was going on for like six months. Nobody knew I was hiding everything from everyone. Like I said, rock bottom, vicious circle.
And who got my back was my family, especially my wife. You know, she stood by my side. Like crazy, like I owe her everything, you know.
- Ladislav Smid
Additionally, Smid did admit that he sees some alarm bells ringing around this year's poor start. The analytics say the Oilers are generating less offence and allowing far more against, and Smid sees that with the eye test from afar too.
To Smid though, losing some veteran presences in the locker room and sacrificing some physicality has been a mistake for Edmonton.
«Unfortunately, I have to say yes. I'm always standing behind them. I still believe that they are better than they're showing right now.
But last two years, it just had a different feel. Like I, you know, even the changes they made in the off season, I think the locker room and especially the locker room lost some valuable voices, some veteran presence, and obviously some size on the ice. And I don't think they were able to replace it with, you know, with the same kind of talent or leadership.
But last two years, it just had a different feel. Like I, you know, even the changes they made in the off season, I think the locker room and especially the locker room lost some valuable voices, some veteran presence, and obviously some size on the ice. And I don't think they were able to replace it with, you know, with the same kind of talent or leadership.
Oilers fans will be glad to hear Smid has gotten past the rough patch in his life and is stronger moving forward.
Hopefully he does more interviews too, because the guy is absolutely hilarious. Give a listen to the podcast if you can.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1 | 372 ANSWERS Former Oiler fan favourite recalls personal rock bottom, gives his take on team this season Were you a fan of Ladi Smid in Edmonton? | ||
| Yes | 287 | 77.2 % |
| No | 85 | 22.8 % |
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