After going under the knife in July, Carey Price and Paul Byron drool to get back into action. If the goalkeeper of the Canadian gets closer to the goal, the small striker must take his trouble patiently.
The two representatives of the Habs took part in the third Hockey 911 evening, a charitable activity for the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.
While it was not possible for reporters to ask questions, Price and Byron still gave news about their condition. The former has undergone knee surgery and could start the season on time, while the latter has had hip surgery, requiring a five-month recovery period.
” I feel good. The offseason has been interesting. I don’t feel 100% yet, but it’s coming.
“It’s a new season and a new challenge. It doesn’t matter whether you miss the playoffs by a mile or go three wins from reaching the ultimate goal, the process is the same. We know we have to be better. We’ve got a lot of work to do and it’s been a short offseason, but that’s no excuse, ”Price said.
Byron sharpens his patience
The latter has already had the pleasure of putting on the skates. It’s a whole different story for Byron, who tries to stay positive despite the long months of waiting that stand in front of him.
“Right now I’m doing upper body workouts. The lower body, I am still in rehabilitation. I want to make sure I heal properly and hope to regain my speed. There is work to be done, but I am confident that I will become the player I once was, ”said the forward, who believes“ it’s a matter of time ”before he can skate.
Byron knows full well that the
Canadian completed some shopping during the summer season. Aware of what is at stake, he assures us that he will not rush his return for all that.
“I don’t feel the pressure to have to come back as soon as possible. I have to make sure that when I come back I will be to the best of my ability to help the team. If I go back to 60% or 70%, I won’t help anyone.
“We are counting on several players who can contribute and who are 100%. I have to make sure I do the right thing. I want to play, but if I had to wait so long for my operation, it’s because we came a long way in the playoffs. the timing makes me miss the start of the season, but it’s the right thing to do, ”he said.
Pain and tears
Byron, who has indicated he has been trailing the injury since his stint with the Flames, says he has been through hell for the past year.
His wish was to postpone the operation, but he just couldn’t take the pain anymore.
“With the wear and tear I got to the point where I couldn’t walk after some games. During the last season and the playoffs, I couldn’t sleep anymore, ”he said.
“When we were in Calgary towards the end of the season (April 23) and I stopped playing, I remember coming out of the ice in tears. I knew I couldn’t go on anymore. I had an injection before the sets and was lucky that I didn’t feel the same level of pain. Towards the end, I couldn’t take it anymore. “
Inspired by Weber
Even though Shea Weber won’t be with the team on the ice this season, and he may be retiring from hockey, Price and Byron still see him as an inspiration.
“I have the greatest respect for him. He not only played injured, but really hurt. He gave everything, his entire career. He played hockey the right way and I can only respect him. It’s a decision he will have to make and I’m not here to speak for him, ”praised Price.
“When Shea is on the other side of the therapy table and you see how painful he is, you can’t go to the coaches and tell them that even though your injury is less worse than his, you don’t. don’t go play, ”Byron added.
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