Ice Hockey: Prpich set for a swift return

Nov 30 2007 South Wales Echo

MIKE Prpich, Cardiff Devils’ gritty ice hockey winger, is to have a knee brace fitted early next week.

And the aggressive Canadian forward has pencilled in a return to playing action against Hull Stingrays in Cardiff on Sunday, December 9.

“I’d love to play again as soon as possible, but I have to be patient and take advice from the experts,” said Prpich, who needs surgery on damaged knee ligaments sustained in Belfast.

“There is a real chance I will be able to play and complete the season wearing a knee brace. It’s going to be custom-made and that will be fitted next week.

“Then, of course, I will have to test it by skating alone and in training with the rest of the guys.

“The earlier I can imagine being able to play again would be against Hull at home.”

Prpich has also had to wait for bruising on the bone to clear, but should be given the all-clear for a return to the ice next week.

Cardiff Devils are sticking with Prpich, who was just beginning to look a dangerous and effective forward, and giving him every chance to complete the season.

Specialists working with Prpich, 25, are optimistic he will be highly effective once the brace, designed to stabilise the knee, is fitted.

Former Devils players Ivan Matulik and Stephen Cooper both had similar injuries and were able to play on in past seasons.

The Devils, who have earned 23 Elite League points from the last 24 on offer and currently stand top of the table, travel to play Basingstoke Bison tomorrow and then entertain Nottingham Panthers on Sunday (6pm).

Captain Brad Voth, suspended from the Challenge Cup semi-final first leg tie against Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday, returns to the team for both matches this weekend, while he will then lead the Devils to Sheffield for the second leg, to be played at Ice Sheffield next Wednesday.