Montreal Canadiens' goalie Cary Price is stepping away from hockey in a voluntarily decision to enter the NHL Player Assistance Program.

Price played with the Tri-City Americans for four seasons. In 2005 he was the fifth over-all pick in the NHL Draft. Price is not only-a seven-time NHL All-Star, he's also an Olympic Gold medalist.

Get our free mobile app

It's unlikely Price will be ready to play in the season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 13th.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Price has been recovering from a knee injury in July, when he suffered a torn meniscus.

The team has indicated that Price will be away from the hockey team for a minimum of 30 days and noted that it could be longer.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Price's wife, Angela posted an Instagram message. Angela is from Kennewick. The two were married in Benton County in 2013.

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin said that Carey's decision caught him off guard. He emphasized that the concern is for Price, not the Canadiens. He believes Price will be back on the ice this season.

Since Price was selected by the Canadiens in 2005, his record is 360-257-79. His wins are the most in Canadiens history. Carey has five seasons remaining on an eight-year contract on July 2nd, 2017.

If you or someone you know is believed to be struggling with mental health, help is available.

Read more about former Tri-City Americans who have made it to the NNHL.

Tri-City Americans Who Played in the NHL

Hockey is one of the hardest sports to play. Most hockey players will play the sport their entire lives, starting to skate as soon as they can walk. Even with all that dedication, the likelihood a player cracks an NHL roster is astronomically low. The WHL is a high-tier developmental league that sees many of its players make it to the show. But for a player who makes it to the WHL or any other junior league, the chances of them reaching the NHL is still only 5%. These former Tri-City Americans are those elite few who have made the jump.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

More From 870 AM KFLD