Colorado Avalanche's Defenceman Has Officially Returned To The Ice
A familiar face graced the ice at Colorado Avalanche practice on Thursday in preparation for tonight's matchup against the Ottawa Senators, one of the Eastern Conference's lower-ranked teams. This game marks the second-last before the Christmas break.
After a month-long hiatus in the NHL's Player Assistance Program for mental health concerns, defenseman Samuel Girard rejoined the team on Thursday.
"Avs Sam Girard is on the ice with the team this morning for the first time since leaving after 15 games to enter the NHL's Player Assistance program.
In a statement at that time, he said he needed help with some mental health issues, depression and severe anxiety."
Having played 15 games with the Avalanche this season, the 25-year-old contributed four points (one goal, three assists) with no penalty minutes and a minus-seven rating.
Girard might not hit the ice for the Avalanche in the next couple of games, taking time for a few practices before getting back into action. Nevertheless, it's a positive sight to witness his return to Colorado, hoping he's in a much better place now than he was a month ago.
Source: Bladeofsteel
POLL |
Are you excited to see Sam Girard back on the ice? |
Yes | 35 | 47.3 % |
No | 39 | 52.7 % |
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