Not too long ago, I asked my hockey guru what kind of hockey stories and reports he would read. He informed me that the stuff he like to read about most were contracts and injuries. Asking a mutual co-worker the same question, I got a similar response. My guru/brother has been pretty good at steering me in a good direction so far. Hell, I wouldn’t have the job if it wasn’t for him giving me all this information on the sport and the love of the game. So, in the spirit of following my guru’s advice, lets take a look at one of the bigger play makers for the Bruins and check on his status.
Nathan Horton was one of the driving forces for the Bruins in their 2011 championship season. He wasn’t just an offensive presence, but became a symbol of how a team overcoming injuries and a lot of games could pull together to win. I watched game three of the 2011 finals. When the Canucks’ Aaron Rome leveled Horton (earning himself a suspension for the remainder of the playoffs, and ending Horton’s season), I watched a tired Bruins team, already down two games to zero rise up, and proceed to destroy Vancouver those next two games. Who could forget him going to the rink to put the bottle of ‘home ice’ on the Vancouver rink? To me, he became another symbol of what encapsulates my love of the sport.
Horton missed 36 games and all of the playoffs due to post concussion syndrome. A lot of Bruins fans have wondered if Tim Horton would end up being another Marc Savard. There is good news though. Paul Krepelka, Horton’s agent sent out a text recently to NESN regarding his player’s status. “Nathan is coming along.” he texted. “We would hope he is good to go at the start of training camp.” I know there are members of Bruins Nation with far more knowledge on Nathan Horton’s stats and skills than myself. But #18
is a part of the whole magic of the Championship season and another reason why I bleed black and gold. Having him on the ice as a scorer, a defender, and an important symbol will be a most welcome addition to the arsenal of the Bruins in their attempt to rescue the Stanley Cup from Los Angeles.