Former Flyer Speaks On Addiction Recovery: West Chester University

WEST CHESTER, PA —Former Philadelphia Flyer Chris Therien and Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan will provide a talk, "The Puck Stops Here," on addiction and recovery on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at West Chester University.

The talk is part of the university's Crime and Justice Series and is open to the public. It is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the university's Main Hall auditorium.

Therien, a professional hockey player, is focused on addiction recovery and awareness and how to battle substance abuse. He is a recovery advocate for the Caron Foundation, Wernersville, and has written a book, "Road To Redemption."

In the book he shares stories about his life in pro hockey and his private struggle with addiction.

Ryan will speak about the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, which began in March 2022 in Chester County. The program initiated by Gov. Josh Shapiro when he was the attorney general, allows police to refer addicts to treatment programs rather than criminal prosection.

Therien played 12 NHL seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers and is the longest-tenured defenseman in franchise history, playing in 753 games. He is also an Olympic Silver Medalist.