Sekera stayed in Edmonton for about six weeks after the injury, working out and healing until he could walk and bike. Then he went back home to Slovakia to continue his rehab. He's been skating recently on his own and with trainers, but Friday was the next step toward a return.
The initial diagnosis was the blueliner would be out for six to nine months. Well, it's right around the six-month mark and Sekera is participating in practice.
"I think I'm right where I should be," he said. "I still don't have a timetable, but I feel better and better each week. The leg is getting stronger, so I just take it day by day."
Sekera says, with this injury, the body will decide when it's ready and he doesn't know when that will be, but he's doing everything he can to shorten that time.
The next step for Sekera will be getting cleared for contact, something he eagerly anticipates.
"This is my first time on the ice with the guys," he said. "I haven't been cleared yet to do any battles. I have to wait a couple more weeks for that, at least."
In the meantime, it's good for the room to have the jovial Sekera back in the fold. He seems quiet and serious to outsiders, but he's a bright and fun teammate to have.
"I think part of him is serious then you'll get the odd funny remark out of him that makes it that much funnier because he's so serious all the time," said Benning. "But he does like to have a good time and joke around with us. He's quiet in and around the room but when he says something it's usually pretty funny."
