RYAN RETURNS TO PRACTICE WITH SENATORS
Bobby Ryan has been given clearance to rejoin the Ottawa Senators.
After entering the NHL’S Players’ Assistance program Nov. 20 following a game against the Detroit Red Wings, the 32-yearold Ryan returned to the ice with his teammates for the first time since coming back to Ottawa just before Christmas.
Though he’s medically cleared to resume skating with the team, he isn’t ready to start playing again and coach D.J. Smith told reporters following the club’s skate there’s no timetable for when Ryan might take part in game action. Ryan was one of the last players off the ice as the club prepared to face the Colorado Avalanche Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre.
“He looked good,” Smith said. “He’s certainly a ways away. It’s like missing training camp and then showing up. He’s going to have to skate with us, do the drills, get in all the battle stuff, systems and all this stuff. He’s a ways away, but he took his first step today.”
This was as good mentally as it was physically for Ryan. He had been skating on his own since he returned to Ottawa in late December and that’s never easy for any player. The Senators were thrilled to see him back on the ice with them.
“It’s exciting. He’s gone through a lot and we’re here to support him,” goaltender Craig Anderson said. “Just seeing him out there with a whole group of guys instead of skating by himself is definitely a treat for us. We’re looking forward to seeing him compete with us on a daily basis and work himself back into the lineup.”
Anderson added that just being around his teammates will be good for Ryan, who didn’t speak with the media.
“I would say it’s never easy when you play a team sport to be out there as an individual working on your own game,” the goalie said. “Especially one-on-one with a coach that’s just putting you through the paces. To be able to have some camaraderie and the team aspect of it is definitely uplifting and definitely a positive feeling.
“Hopefully he’s feeling the same vibe as everyone else around here that we’re happy to have him out there and we’re enjoying his presence. He’s such a great asset when he’s playing and playing well. We need him to get back to that for himself and for us.”
The players’ assistance program was started in 1996 by the league and the NHL Players’ Association and is funded by both parties. It’s a confidential program that provides players and their families with assistance with mental health, substance abuse and other matters.
Since the program is confidential, the only time an announcement is made by the NHL and the NHLPA is if a player has to take a leave of absence from the team. That’s why the news about Ryan became public and all matters surrounding the decision have been kept private.
The return to practice doesn’t mean Ryan will go on the road with the club when the Senators depart for a two-game road trip that begins Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg and continues Tuesday night in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche.
“It’s a 1 p.m. game (in Winnipeg), there’s a day off in Colorado so he won’t get enough skating,” Smith said. “He’ll skate with (player development co-ordinator) Shean Donovan and his crew back here, who do a really good job getting our guys ready.”
Ryan’s presence will be a boost for the rest of the players.
“It was a great to see him,” said defenceman Dylan Demelo. “He’s been through a lot, he had some time off and we haven’t seen him a whole lot, but he’s been around the last month or so and it’s great to see him. He’s well-liked in here, he’s been a great teammate and he’s a great person. We’ve missed him and we’re happy he was back out there today.”
He’s been a great teammate and he’s a great person. We’ve missed him and we’re happy he was back out there today.