How a former Boston Bruins star overcame drug addiction and became a substance abuse counsellor

Kevin Stevens was regarded as one of the best left wingers in the NHL during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins. Stevens was a member of the Penguins' Stanley Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1992.

Kevin Stevens had tremendous respect for the game throughout his entire career. However, after an injury, he became addicted to drugs.

When Steven was playing for the Penguins, he was at the pinnacle of his career. On May 14, 1993, during a game against the New York Islanders, Steven took a hit to the head that left him with a skull injury. After that, everything changed.

Kevin Stevens recovered from his injury and scored 41 goals for the Penguins the following season. However, Stevens' drug addiction was reaching a tipping point, and his performance was worsening dramatically.

Stevens spent his final season with Pittsburgh after being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he was not the same this time because drug addiction had caught up with him and he got very little playing time before hanging up his skates in 2002.

His teammates tried to help him, but it was too late for Stevens. He divorced and lost contact with his three children. Surviving a car accident in 2015 gave everyone hope that Kevin Stevens would turn his life around, but it didn't.

A year later, Stevens was charged with intent to distribute drugs. He was sentenced to three years of probation. Stevens made significant progress and has become a motivational speaker to help people avoid drugs. He also runs a non-profit organization that provides advice.

"The main reason I’m doing this is to help people,” Stevens said in the documentary "Shattered."

"It's terrible in Boston, it’s terrible in Canada, it’s terrible in Pittsburgh. It’s terrible everywhere... I didn’t know my purpose for a long time. I have a purpose and that’s to help people.”

Kevin Stevens' journey has helped many with addictions

Stevens' journey has been a source of motivation not only for players, but for millions around the world who are dealing with drug addiction.

As a Massachusetts native, Stevens always dreamt of playing for the Boston Bruins. He got his wish and played for the Bruins, along with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh (again) before retiring.

In his season with the Bruins, Stevens played 41 games, recording 10 goals and 13 assists.

Stevens spent seventeen years in the NHL, playing 874 games and recording 726 points (329 goals, 397 assists).