Luke Toporowski will be ready for the first round of the WHL Playoffs (Image Credit: Allen Douglas / Kamloops Blazers)

By Chad Klassen

TOPOROWSKI RETURNING

Toporowski returning for Blazers’ playoff run after knee injury

Apr 14, 2022 | 5:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers are ready to welcome one of their best players back for the playoffs.

Luke Toporowski, who hasn’t played since March 11 with a knee injury, has been skating with the team and will be prepared when the first round begins.

“The injury was a tough one. I’ve never been injured before, so it was a battle getting through the rehab,” noted Toporowski. “The trainers have been great. I’d like to think I’ve been working pretty hard, so I’ll be back next weekend [for start of playoffs] and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Toporowski was acquired by the Blazers in a deadline deal in January and made an immediate impact with two goals and an assist in his first game in Prince George. He had at least a point in his first six games, including three two-goals games in his first five contests as a Blazer.

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In 22 games in Kamloops, the overager has 20 goals and 14 points — compared to 15 goals and 14 assists in 27 games in Spokane.

“Never a good news when a player gets injured. The positive is he’s going to be ready to go for the playoffs. He won’t play this weekend — he maybe could — but we’ll just make sure he’s got another full week to get ready,” said Blazers head coach Shaun Clouston. “He looks good out there. He’s given us great energy. He’s a mature guy, he’s a confident player, he’s terrific in the dressing room. He’s outspoken. He’s just been really good for us.”

The Blazers don’t know yet who they will meet in the first round. From Vancouver in sixth place (52 points) to Victoria in ninth (50), there is two points separating four potential playoff teams.

Kamloops hosts Prince George on Friday night and Vancouver on Saturday — both potential first-round opponents.