BLOG: Blackwell, Kurashev Return to Ice at Practice on Monday

In their first practice back, Colin Blackwell and Philipp Kurashev rejoined their teammates on the ice at Fifth Third Arena after the two suffered different injuries over the last few months. The two experienced different emotions on their return but also reflected on their journey back to the roster. 

Blackwell made his first appearance with the team after he suffered a lower-body injury back in February. While he faced a challenging offseason trying to navigate his road to recovery and some frustration, he now looks forward to getting back into his hockey routine. 

“It's been a long road and then a lot of not many ups but a lot of downs,” Blackwell said. “So just to be out there with the guys today, it just felt like normal for the first time in a while.”

Over the last few months, Blackwell described the pain he endured following his surgery in simple tasks such as walking his dog every day. With the help of his wife and other family members, he tried to remain focus through the emotional journey to make his comeback onto the team. 

For the first time in a long time, he is starting to feel like himself once again as he continues to take in reps during the next few practices. 

“Finally, for the first time in a long time, I feel close to being like myself that I used to be so that's, it's a big step for me,” Blackwell said. 

Head coach Luke Richardson understands the challenges that players can face when they endure an injury and the difficulties of trying to go through the recovery process. For him, he tries to show his support with players behind the scenes. 

“You can't really do too much to help them,” Richardson said. “[You have to] support them, and let them know that you're with them, and you're trying to be supportive behind the scenes. I think getting back on the ice with the guys, it's kind of mentally gets you more motivated and you make that last step the quickest.”

Similar to Blackwell, Kurashev understood the struggles that can come with a long-term injury. At the end of last season, the forward missed some time due to a wrist injury and suffered something similar during the team’s first preseason game against St. Louis.

For him, he felt the injury affected his ability to be within the locker room and grow a connection with his fellow teammates with the start of a new season.  

“It's the worst especially after the end of last season I was hurt too and then first game back, I get hurt again in preseason, so it’s not fun,” Kurashev said. “It's [harder], I think mentally, because you can be with the guy, especially on a long road trip, so it was pretty tough but I'm happy to be back.” 

While Blackwell is still unknown for his return to game action, Richardson hopes to see Kurashev return to the lineup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday evening. 

For the two forwards, the practice time allows them to prove themselves and the strength they built off the ice to try and create a strong on ice presence once they return. 

“You always try to prove yourself and yes, it's hard when you're out and you can't do anything except train and stuff,” Kurashev said. “But it's a good opportunity for me to show myself and I think I'm ready for it.”