Sharks Winger Reveals He Suffered First Career Concussion After Check From Behind
San Jose Sharks winger Mike Hoffman suffered his first career concussion on March 9th after taking a check from behind by Ottawa Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk.
Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports - Sharks Winger Reveals He Suffered First Career Concussion After Check From BehindSan Jose Sharks winger Mike Hoffman suffered his first career concussion on March 9th after taking a check from behind by Ottawa Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk.
Hoffman hasn't played a game since that moment. Sharks head coach David Quinn thought he would be able to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but he was not ready yet.
"It was going against Ottawa when Tkachuk hit me from behind, and I hit my head on the glass," Hoffman said. "I'm not there yet. It's coming along. I'm not really sure of a timeline on when I'll be back, but it's definitely closer."
"I remember the puck was in our D zone. I got it kind of on my low wing in the corner, and then I had my back to the play and made a play up the wall, and then I just got finished from behind. I didn't really see him coming at all," he said.
Hoffman also told the media that this was his first career concussion.
"I didn't really know what to expect [regarding] timeline [and] recovery," Hoffman said. "So we're all kind of going through all those steps that are needed to have me come back and play at a safe level."
The NHL has a specific concussion protocol that each player must pass before returning to the lineup. He has been skating with the team during practices at full capacity.
"[I'm] just going through all the protocols to get back and try and have all the symptoms go away and go from there," Hoffman said.
He also explained that he is trying to stay hydrated and take walks when possible.
Hoffman won't play in tonight's game but could return to the lineup soon.
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