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"Tried using alcohol to almost mask those feelings" - Blues forward Kasperi Kapanen opens up on his struggle with substance abuse
St. Louis Blues forward Kasperi Kapanen disclosed his struggle with alcoholism in an interview with Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat. Last year, the 27-year-old faced legal consequences after being arrested for drunk driving in Finland.
At first reluctant to share with his father, former NHL player Sami Kapanen, Kasperi felt shame and regret before speaking publicly about the incident.
"I didn't even dare to tell my father, because I knew he would be really disappointed," Kapanen said. "I think I told my mother and of course my girlfriend knew about it. I only told the others when the matter came out in September. It was such a big shame for me."
Kapanen accepted that he turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the pressures.
"At some point, there was more drinking that I didn't do it to celebrate, but because there was so much pressure, annoyance or anxiety during the season," Kapanen added. "I tried to use alcohol to almost mask those feelings."
Kapanen is now concentrating on his recovery with support from the people around him.
Kasperi Kapanen addressed aggravated drunk driving charges and apologized
On Sept. 8, 2023, St. Louis Blues forward Kasperi Kapanen faced serious allegations of aggravated drunk driving stemming from an incident in Finland the previous month. The case, reported by Finland's Yle, went to the district court of North Savo and was set for a hearing in February 2024.
In response, Kapanen publicly acknowledged his "unacceptable error in judgment" and expressed remorse. He also apologized to his family, the Blues organization, teammates and fans.
“Last month I made an unacceptable error in judgment and take full responsibility for my actions. I offer my apologies to my family, the Blues organization, my teammates, and the fans," Kapanen said.
"I understand the severity of my mistake and am committed to doing everything I can to earn back their trust,” Kapanen added.
After all that happened, the Blues continued to believe in Kapanen's ability to learn from the mistake and move forward in a positive direction.
St. Louis Blues sign Kasperi Kapanen to one-year, $1 million contract
On July 1, 2024, the St. Louis Blues signed Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1 million contract. Kapanen's best season with the Toronto Maple Leafs was 2018-19, where he scored 20 goals and 44 points.
Last season with the Blues, he had 22 points in 73 games. In his NHL career across 460 games with Toronto, Pittsburgh and St. Louis, Kapanen has 208 points.
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