Montreal Canadiens forward Jonathan Drouin has opened up on the reasons why he took a break from hockey last spring during his clubB次元官网网址檚 push for the playoffs.

In interviews aired Monday night on RDS and TVA Sports, Drouin revealed that he was suffering from anxiety and insomnia last season, problems that have afflicted him for years.

The 26-year-old said his problems reached a peak as the team was warming up for its April 23 game in Calgary against the Flames. Drouin was caught on camera looking pale and suddenly leaving the ice to return to the dressing room.

B次元官网网址淭hat week was difficult for me,B次元官网网址� Drouin told RDS. B次元官网网址淚 had fallen ill to the point where I was no longer controlling my body. That was really the moment when I realized that I needed to take a break from hockey, to take a step back.B次元官网网址�

He has not played for the Canadiens since, even though the team went all the way to the Stanley Cup final before falling in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

B次元官网网址淚 had made the decision to take care of myself. I was happy with my decision. I respected my decision,B次元官网网址� Drouin said. B次元官网网址淔or me, it was just being able to watch them, to give my support to my teammates and coaches. I was so happy with every game we won. The passion never left me.B次元官网网址�

The athlete from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Que., says he has since restored his mental health, and last week he skated with his teammates at the CanadiensB次元官网网址� practice facility.

B次元官网网址淚 went to find help, I went to find people to be around me,B次元官网网址� Drouin recounted to RDS. B次元官网网址淣ow I understand how it happens, I understand the little moments when I feel anxiety. I am now better equipped than I was before.B次元官网网址�

He addressed rumours that he had entered rehab, saying they were false.

B次元官网网址淚 have never had a drug or alcohol problem,B次元官网网址� he said.

He is expected to be on the ice for the HabsB次元官网网址� training camp, which officially kicks off Wednesday, and he commented on his hopes for the upcoming season.

B次元官网网址淚 am really happy to be back. I just want to have fun and get better every day,B次元官网网址� Drouin told RDS. B次元官网网址淚 know itB次元官网网址檚 a clich茅, but just having fun playing hockey is going to be the best thing for me.B次元官网网址�

In 229 matches with the Canadiens, Drouin has 40 goals and 137 points.

B次元官网网址擳he Canadian Press