No job in the world of sports is as intimidating, exhilarating, and as stress-ridden as that of an NHL hockey goaltender. Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and raised in Edmonton, Clint Malarchuk had the experience of playing professionally in the NHL for the Quebec Nordiques, the Washington Capitals, and the Buffalo Sabres. He made his NHL debut with the Nordiques on December 13, 1981, and became the Nordiques' primary goaltender in the 1985-86 season. He was traded to the Washington Capitals after the 1986-87 season and then to the Buffalo Sabres in 1989.

Malarchuk's career was marked by a horrific incident in 1989 during a game when a player's skate made contact with his neck, causing immediate massive blood loss. Through the quick action of the Sabres' athletic trainer, who pinched off the blood vessels until doctors arrived, he survived this life-threatening injury. Remarkably, he returned to the ice just ten days after the injury. Throughout his career, Malarchuk compiled a record of 141 wins, 130 losses, 45 ties, 12 shutouts, and an .885 save percentage.

Following his playing career, Malarchuk transitioned into coaching and served in various capacities for several teams, including head coach of the IHL Las Vegas Thunder and the Idaho Steelheads and goaltending coach for the NHL Florida Panthers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also served as a goaltending consultant for the Atlanta Thrashers and the Calgary Flames, retiring from the team in 2014.

Off the ice, Malarchuk shares his extraordinary and heart-wrenching life story—which includes his long battle with alcoholism and almost ending his life by a gunshot to the head—in his relentless effort to help end the stigma of mental illness and to help others who may suffer as well. He has used these experiences to raise awareness and help others who may suffer as well. Malarchuk has also written two books, an autobiography, "The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond" and "Saved: How I Survived My Life In Hockey" with Dan Robson, both of which detail his experiences on and off the ice. He has also been the subject of a documentary, Goalie: Life and Death in the Crease.

Today, Malarchuk and his wife are public speakers, discussing topics such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, support for alcoholics in recovery, and psychological trauma. He has continued his education and is certified as a veterinary technician, currently running a practice as a horse dentist. He splits his time between Alberta and Nevada, where he has settled on a ranch, staying connected to his Ukrainian heritage.

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