Image Credit: Day One Society

By Victor Kaisar

Fundraising Event

Former NHL veteran Darryl Sydor and family to headline fundraising breakfast for Day One Society

Apr 7, 2025 | 1:43 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Day One Society has tapped Former Kamloops Blazer and NHL veteran Darryl Sydor and his family to headline a fundraising breakfast next month.

In a news release, the Day One Society says Sydor and his wife, Sharlene, will share “their deeply personal journey through addiction to recovery” at the event, which will be held at the Delta Hotel on Victoria Street on May 26.

“We at Day One Society are very honoured to be the benefactors of this event, but even more proud of Darryl, Sharlene and their family’s courage to share their story in a very public way,” Day One Society Executive Director Siân Lewis said.

“We know that when people speak up and share, it helps to combat stereotypes and reduce stigma so that there is an openness for others to find hope and healing. This event will be a great opportunity to do just that.”

Sydor retired in 2010 after an 18-season NHL career that culminated in two Stanley Cup titles. He also spent eight seasons coaching professional hockey, during which he faced one of his darkest days, after he was charged with impaired driving in Minnesota in 2015.

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“Whether it is mental health or battling addiction, it’s a difficult journey with ups and downs. You have to be humble, willing to dig deep, and vulnerable enough to rebuild yourself,” Sydor said in the news release.

“The past is there. I don’t love looking back on the day of my DUI with my son or my relapses, but it reminds me of how far I’ve come and where I never want to return. I am an alcoholic in recovery every single day.”

Tickets for the event, dubbed A Journey of Hope and Healing with the Sydors, are $75 each and are available online, with proceeds to benefit the Day One Society.

“We are so thankful to Darryl, Sharlene, and their kids for bravely sharing this story,” Lewis added. “In our work, we seek to provide help and hope so people can find healing in their journey from addiction to recovery.”

“We are thankful the Sydors are doing what they can to reduce stigma so that people do reach out for help.”