Landeskog

Loveland, Colorado (AP) – This is the first time around 1,020 days Gabriel Landeskog There are some fresh gaming tapes available for inspection. He hit the player, was hit, was fined, and even put someone in a headlock.

“Headlock,” he said with a smile on Friday night, “not necessarily planning on me to wake up this morning.”

He recovered from a serious knee injury Occupying the center of ice When he joined the Colorado Hawks in the American Hockey League, he played professionally for the first time in nearly three years.

this Long-term Colorado Avalanche Captain rented to Hawks As part of the minor league conditional mission. He played morning skateboarding at Blue Arena Friday and received a green light to make the Eagles debut for the Henderson Silver Knights.

He went through pre-match training – without a helmet, so his blonde hair was easy to spot – cheered and serenadeed with an ode to “Landy, Landy, Landy, Landy” before the puck fell. He cheered as the fans left the ice after his first shift (lasting about 46 seconds), then he went to the penalty box and showed his image on the big screen (he waved to the crowd).

One night he was soaked in checks, spills, hook-up penalty and all the applause at every moment.

“I’m excited about the future,” Landskoger said after the Hawks’ 2-0 victory.

Landeskog has been praised by several Silver Knights players, including one who told him that he was “happy to be back,” before the standoff.

“That’s what makes this game so good – you go out and put someone in the headlock and then in the next standoff, someone says some good news to you,” Landeskog said. “It’s cool. The support of the players who support the league, and obviously here, is also here, which means a lot.”

It’s also an expensive ticket (about $200). His newly unsolved Hawks No. 92 sweater is also coveted, with fans waiting in a long line, winding around the hall for a chance to buy one. His avalanche jersey was a popular sight throughout the field.

He has been eliminated due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery since he helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.

If everything is tied to his Loveland position, the 32-year-old Gritty forward from Sweden can be activated in the first game of the Colorado first-round playoff series. The Avalanche enters the playoffs, is locked in the third seed of the central division and will open on the road.

“I have high expectations for myself. I’m also realistic in knowing what I’ve been through and how much time I’ve missed,” Landeskog said. “I don’t want to look too far forward. But I do know that I feel good today, hopefully I feel good tomorrow, and we can keep working hard. I can keep practicing and we’ll see where it takes us.”

This is just another step in a difficult journey.

“I’m excited for him and his family,” avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Friday to end the regular season before the team leaves California’s two games. “I was just excited for him after finally getting on ice in the game situation.”

Some of his avalanche teammates, such as Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar, made a trek north about 50 miles to get a glimpse of No. 92 in the Eagles’ sweater. Mackinnon and Makar were several last trips skipping Colorado State and taking a break before the playoffs.

“He spent a lot of time, a lot of time,” said Landeskog’s long-time friend Erik Johnson recently. “It’s something he doesn’t have to leave his body helpless, but wants to work for the team. It’s exciting for us to get him further in recovery.”

Landeskog’s injury dates back to the 2020 “bubble” season, when he was accidentally overwhelmed by Makar’s skates in the playoffs against Dallas. Landeskog finally underwent a cartilage transplant on May 10, 2023 and has been injured for a long time.

The program is similar to the one conducted in March 2023 on Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball. Ball returned to the court for preseason in October, suggesting a possible timeline for Landeskog’s return.

Landeskog’s comeback is the theme of the documentary series titled “Clean sheets: Gabe Landeskog”, which airs on TNT and TRUTV.

“The guy who feels a little surreal to drive here to skate,” Landeskog said. “(The game) isn’t fast enough. I’m really excited. It’s a weird feeling when you’ve been expecting something for a long time, and then all of a sudden, you can do that.”

As for the plan’s progress, Landeskog is not completely sure. If his knees want to, he may play again.

For now, he is just grateful for all the support.

“I never thought this would get to this point and get such a lot of attention,” Landeskog said. “I just wanted to fight and we’re here.

“It was a fun night. Now, I’m very tired. I’m looking forward to sleeping.”

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