Wickenheiser Ahead of Schedule for Return to Blues’ Lineup

Doug Wickenheiser, the injured St. Louis Blues center, is battling back from a career-threatening injury to his left knee and hopes to return to action months ahead of schedule.

“I feel real good. No problem. No pain. No swelling,” Wickenheiser said after a recent practice. “Strength-wise, my knee is as strong. The only difference is the full range of motion.

“But then my doctor (Jerome Gilden, the Blues’ orthopedic surgeon) said I probably wouldn’t get a full range back because he had to tighten up the ligaments so much.”

Wickenheiser, a former No. 1 draft choice of the Montreal Canadiens, was off to the best start of his five-year career before suffering his injury last March 13. He had 43 points, including two hat tricks, and had played in all 68 games to that point last season.

“Doug Wickenheiser was on the verge of being a star in this league,” St. Louis coach Jacques Demers said about his center who was drafted ahead of Chicago’s Denis Savard.

The mishap occurred when Wickenheiser and his teammates were together in Eureka, Mo., for the team’s annual “snipe” hunt. Wickenheiser was hit by a car outside the Italian Pizzeria.

A “snipe” hunt is an old hockey tradition. The the purpose is to scare the daylights out of one or more unsuspecting teammates. The Blues have been holding their “snipe” hunts for years in Eureka, located about 30 miles southwest of St. Louis, with the cooperation of police and other city officials.

Several Blues players said a pickup carrying teammates had pulled off the street and Wickenheiser was to climb into the back of the truck when he lost his balance and stepped backward into the path of the car.

Wickenheiser, 24, underwent four hours of surgery to repair ligament damage. The initial prognosis was at least 12 months away from hockey.

“I didn’t know the severity of the injury,” he said.

But a determined Wickenheiser could be back by Jan. 31.

“I’ve been skating since the beginning of November and with the team since Dec. 1,” Wickenheiser said.

He began rehabilitating the knee in May at Regina, Saskatchewan, before coming back to St. Louis in July.

Wickenheiser said he has had no doubts about coming back.

“It never entered my mind,” he said. “I always expected to be back. It is only a question of when.”

Demers said Wickenheiser had made steady improvement on the ice.

“Doug is doing excellent out there,” Demers said. “It’s been a tough experience for him no doubt but I know he’ll make it. Doug Wickenheiser wants to make it back. All the credit goes to him.

“He’s put in the time. That’s why he’s where he’s at today.”

The Blues have carried on well despite the loss of Wickenheiser. St. Louis has been resting atop the Norris Division ahead of the Chicago Black Hawks and owns several impressive victories this season over such top NHL clubs as Edmonton, Calgary, Buffalo and Quebec.

Wickenheiser said that with the Blues playing well, it will easier for him to come back.

“There won’t be the pressure of me having to step in and produce,” he said. “I’ll be able to go at a good pace. I’d like to think I’ll be able to help the club.”

Demers said he welcomes Wickenheiser’s return.

“He won’t have to be a savior when he comes back,” Demers said. “But it will be a big plus for our hockey club. It’s already a big plus just to see him out there on the ice working hard. The others pick up on that.”

Demers said a healthy Wickenheiser would put the Blues in a better position than they occupy currently.

“We’d be at least six points better,” Demers said. “Doug would have at least 25 to 30 points by now. He’s a heck of a hockey player.”

Wickenheiser said he wants to show that.

“I’m ready to come back,” he said. “Hockey is my game.”