Bonkowski of Blazers striving for excellence after recovering from fractured fibula

While the Blazers stumbled in the first round of the post-season, Bonkowski began the arduous process of getting back on his feet.

“It was super hard,” Bonkowski said. “The initial thought is you’re not going to play with them in playoffs. It was pretty heartbreaking. Right after it happened, I had surgery two days later. I was in a half-cast for two weeks. After that, I was in a boot for about a month without any walking, so crutches.”

Bonkowski was cleared to walk about halfway through May. Videos show him stretching, squatting and jumping at Yard to strengthen his leg and regain explosiveness.

Blazers’ head coach Shaun Clouston said Bonkowski is medically cleared to play.

“He’s a determined, committed, dedicated young hockey player,” Clouston said. “He’s ready to go. We will monitor his progress and make sure we’re giving him rest to avoid setbacks.”

Bonkowski tallied 40 points, including 13 goals, in 64 games last season and was sorely missed in the playoffs, the club without a key cog who plays in all situations.

Clouston expects to see Bonkowski take another step forward this season.

“He’s a guy that’s here early, does the work, does the extra stuff, leads on and off the ice,” Clouston said. “He’ll work on his mental game. He’ll do everything he can to become the most he’s capable of. Those are the players we believe in and rely on. I think he’s got a great future and will have a great season.”

Kamloops, which lost its top five scorers in the off-season, will lean heavily on Bonkowski to produce offensively and he seems certain to take on a leadership role.

The captaincy is vacant and Bonkowski wants to wear a letter.

“Yeah, for sure,” he said. “You’ve seen the leaders that have come through here the last couple of years, great players and people, so I think it’s a pretty exciting opportunity, for sure.”

by Marty Hastings

Bonkowski of Blazers striving for excellence after recovering from fractured fibula

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