Green returns to the ice

Posted by Mike Baldwin

on November 27, 2012M at 4:02 pm

Barons team captain Josh Green, recovering from a rib injury, skated with teammates during Tuesday morning’s practice at the Cox Convention Center. Green has been sidelined the past month after suffering the injury in Oklahoma City’s home opener.

“It’s good when you’re out there on the ice for the first time by yourself but to be out there with the guys is exciting,” Green said. “Hopefully I can keep progressing. It was great to have the boys back in town, even if it’s just for a day.”

In the midst of a seven-game, three-week road trip, the Barons returned home for one practice. The team leaves Wednesday for games Thursday and Friday in Houston.

It’s doubtful Green will make the trip to Houston. The more likely scenario is Green will return when the Barons close out the road trip Dec. 8-9 in San Antonio.

“He looked pretty darn good in practice,” said Barons coach Todd Nelson. “That’s the debate. We only got to see him one practice. We’ll probably hold him back so we can get into more contact next week.
“He’s lobbying to play. He wants to play. I think he’d be fine but it’s a bit early. We don’t want to risk it.”

Green, a 35-year-old veteran, looks forward to finally returning to the lineup.

“I’ll probably stay here and skate the rest of the week here on my own to try and get in better shape and push myself that way,” Green said. “But I feel I’m getting real close. I think if I could get in a couple more practices with the guys I’d be ready to go. This will give me another week.”

Nelson said Green’s work ethic is contagious.

“I thought our practice was excellent today,” Nelson said. “We had a lot of energy. Having Josh out there certainly helps.”

Categorized under:

Hockey, Oklahoma City Barons

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