Bo Horvat returned from the Winter Olympic Games and rejoined the New York Islanders for the team's morning skate in Montreal on Thursday morning. Horvat is expected to play on Thursday night when the Islanders take on the Montreal Canadiens.
Horvat, who was absent during the team's previous practices this week, said rejoining the team felt like a reset, a fresh start after earned silver for Canada in the Winter Olympic Games.
Horvat skated on a line with Ondrej Palat and Mathew Barzal. Horvat leads the team with 24 goals and with 40 points this season, he is one of two players on the Islanders with 40 points of more (the other player being Barzal with 51 points).
Though he didn't bring back gold, earning silver is a tremendous honor for Horvat and his family.
"It was by far the coolest experience I've had in my life and career," Horvat said. "I'm so grateful to say I was there and be part of that team. That experience is something I'll never forget."
Horvat said playing in the Olympics felt like "a whole new season" as there are some differences - both in the atmosphere in the NHL vs the Olympics, as well as the rink size has a difference of several feet.
"It's funny because the first thing he said to me this morning was that the three feet makes such a big difference and the corners are different," Head Coach Patrick Roy said. "It's about re-focusing on what you have to do. I'm not nervous about him."
