Clint Malarchuk nearly bled out on national television when an opponent's skate came up and slit his jugular. Years later, he pointed a rifle to his chin and pulled the trigger. If the skate or the bullet had traveled another centimeter, he would not be here today.

Clint made an NHL All-Star team. He coached some of the greatest goaltenders of our generation. Yet he considers his book, "A Matter of Inches: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond", his crowning achievement. In it, he tells all: about the abuse he endured as a child, his battles with OCD, depression and addiction, and how he became a pioneer for mental health awareness in hockey.

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This episode was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.

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Catch me on IGTV (@40000_Steps) and Facebook Live at 11 a.m. CST every Tuesday and Thursday. Join the discussion. Bring your own snacks.

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