The moment that our athletic trainer, Rich Stinziano, told me I'd need an X-ray, I immediately began to fear it was broken. I'll admit, it was a heartbreaking moment. I had worked hard all summer and felt I had put myself in position to potentially make the team in Buffalo out of training camp. All of a sudden, my camp was over.
For all of the frustration that set in initially, I had a life's worth of experience to lean on to help me through it. The way I've looked at it my whole life is, Go play hockey. Whatever happens, happens. I was a 10th-round pick in the OHL Draft, but I earned my way to a four-year career at Boston University. I went undrafted in the NHL, yet I've still had the opportunity to wear a Sabres sweater.
I approached my injury the same way. I trusted by ability and knew that, if I put the work in during my rehab, then I'd wind up back in Buffalo. When I recovered and was sent to Rochester, I embraced the opportunity to be with the guys and show my ability.
So far, it's worked out. I was recalled on Monday and played my first game of the season in Colorado on Tuesday. Now, I need to make sure I do whatever it takes to earn my stay.
It's always been my nature, working for what I get. That's what I'm going to continue to do throughout my career.
