Laraque: Battle with COVID-19 the 'worst thing ever'

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Former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque offered a blunt assessment of the symptoms he's experiencing when asked about his battle with COVID-19.

"It's the worst thing ever. It takes all my energy just to get up," Laraque told NHL.com's William Douglas.

Laraque announced he was diagnosed with the disease on Thursday. The 43-year-old told Douglas he began feeling ill Monday and doctors prescribed medication for slightly swollen lungs. After not getting any better, Laraque then went back to the doctor and was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

"Now, after the COVID attacked my lungs, I can't even get up to go brush my teeth without struggling," Laraque said.

He had been training for a marathon in recent weeks, but Laraque is now in a Montreal hospital for the foreseeable future while recovering.

Laraque spent 12 years in the NHL, logging stints with the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Phoenix Coyotes, and Montreal Canadiens.