A former hockey player that previously came out as a victim of sexual abuse has the utmost admiration for Kyle Beach, and is encouraging anyone else that's experienced trauma to find someone to talk to.

Oxbow-native Todd Holt spent five seasons with the WHL's Swift Current Broncos (1989-90 to 1993-94), where he was sexually assaulted by then-coach Graham James.

Holt said it took a great deal of courage for Beach, a 2008 first-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, to come forward Wednesday night as the victim of a sexual assault investigation into the team's former video coach Brad Aldrich. 

"Watching him do the interview on TSN - I had to wait until I got home, I couldn't watch it at work - he did a great job. His strength is amazing. The hardest part is telling someone."

Holt, who now lives in Calgary, has reached out to Beach to show his support. The franchise leader in goals and points for the Broncos said having people open up about their experiences is a big part of the healing process.

Sheldon Kennedy was also coached by James with Swift Current. His last season was 1988-89 (the season before Holt's rookie campaign). Kennedy went to police in 1996 to say he was abused by James. Holt said Kennedy going public created a path for others.

"Back in the days when Sheldon came out, there was no one leading the way. He was kind of like the lead horse and plowing the way. We've come a long way with Sheldon's leadership and Kyle is a better person today, and to say that I'm proud, it's an understatement. I'm very very proud of Kyle and what he's doing."

Holt's cousin, and fellow Oxbow product, Theo Fleury, was also sexually assaulted by James. Holt referred to Kennedy, Fleury, and himself as "guys that have been through the process [that] are leaders in a way that we can help Kyle."

They, along with Beach, all suffered from substance abuse because of the trauma. Holt wasn't seeing his sons, Kaelan and Taysen for a while as his drinking had gotten out of control.

"With today's society, mental health is at the top of our struggles. I think it's important for people who are out there struggling, not only from sexual abuse, just from day-to-day life, it's a battle out there and it's okay not to be okay. It's okay not to feel up to par."

He said confiding in someone when he's not doing well has been a key as he's recovering from the abuse.

"We all deal with different things. When I'm feeling like that, I talk about it. One thing people have to know is reach out to people and talk. Sometimes you just need to clear your head. If I could say anything to anyone out there, it's just 'Reach out to your loved ones. The people around you who you surround yourself with, they're pretty supportive when you reach out."

There's controversy with the Blackhawks investigation regarding which members of the organization at the time knew about Beach and another player being abused.

"I hope that people in all organizations would stand up and be a leader and blow the whistle. You're not a rat, you're not a snitch, you're not anything. You're standing up for someone's life. If someone's getting the crap beat out of them on the street, you're not just going to walk by. You might call 9-1-1 or you get involved... Just because it happened behind closed doors doesn't mean it's not as vital as everything else in life."

Holt emphasized how critical it is that you reach out if you're hurting.

"There's lots of places to go and lots of people to talk to. You don't have to be alone. Reach out, talk, and I promise you, when you talk and you get out there and let yourself be known, life gets better. I promise you."

Pictured below: Holt and Kennedy