Galchenyuk settling into rehab routine

Alex Galchenyuk is a forward for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-foot, 198-pound forward was born in Milwaukee but is of Russian decent -- his father, Alexander, spent five of his 22 professional seasons playing in the U.S. Alex was the first pick of the 2010 OHL draft, and last season had 31 goals and 52 assists in 68 games. He had 2 goals and an assist in five games for Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and returned to take part in the 2011 NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp in August. Despite suffering a major knee injury that could end his season before it really starts, Galchenyuk has offered to maintain a monthly blog for NHL.com that will chronicle his season leading up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Hi Everyone!

It's been a very busy month for me. I've been going to the Fowler Kennedy clinic for therapy daily, where I work with trainers Nancy and Kim. In Sarnia, Dr. Vargo, Mike Anning and Eric Corda also work with me on a daily basis. I'm doing workouts for my back, shoulders, arms and core. My leg workouts now consist of leg press, bike and elliptical balance exercises. I work mostly at the rink, and my dad and our trainer Mark Anderson have been helping me with that. So far my road to recovery has been going pretty good. I can do a lot more now, so the past month has been like a daily routine of therapy and training for me. Trying to get a little better every day.

I've been going to all our games lately; I just don't go on the road trips because I can't miss any therapy right now. Trying to support our guys from the sidelines, although I can't describe how hard it is to watch. I would much rather be out there with them, but at least I get to spend more time at the rink now. You know, I guess sometimes life throws out these challenges for you and you start appreciating things a lot more after you don't have them for a while. Right now I'm making the most of my situation and I'm hungrier than ever to get back out on the ice. I know that when I do go back that I will appreciate my time on the ice and being with my teammates even more.

I read Brett Connolly's comments on NHL.com, and it was pretty cool to hear some words of support from him. I also had a chance to talk with Morgan Rielly who's kind of in the same boat with me with an ACL tear.  

Right now I'm looking forward to visiting my sister and our friends in Chicago; we're going to see a Blackhawks game and do some Christmas shopping, then we'll drive to Sarnia and spend Christmas and New Year's in a nice family atmosphere.

I wish everyone a great holiday season. Spend some quality time with your family and friends and hopefully the new year will be happy and successful for all of us!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

P.S. -- Santa, help me get back on the ice soon!