Here's a transcript, from the Flyers, on Simon Gagne. As I reported earlier on CSNPhilly.com, the injury is both right hip and right groin ...
Which is why GM Paul Holmgren wants further evaluation ...
Q: What exactly happened?
GAGNE: “We had our first practice last night at the camp. I thought it was going to be an easy practice but the tempo was very fast right away during the very first drill. Guys were obviously trying to show their best. I had been skating back home for about two weeks but not at that high level. I kind of felt that it was getting a little bit tight on me, close to the hip and groin. I had the hip surgery this summer (end of May). It is a little bit tight everywhere and the groin is a part of that. I went to see the trainers and they pulled me out and there was really no question to try to push it again. I had the chance to speak with Steve Yzerman and he told me not to worry about it. That’s why I got off the ice and that is why I am not skating right now.
“The plan right now is that I am going to fly back to Philly tonight and see the doctors tomorrow. I got checked by the doctor from Team Canada and all that and they don’t think it is that bad. They don’t think I really hurt myself. I think it is just tightness that was there a little bit this summer when I started skating. I went to Philly to get it checked again but they said it was normal. I went back home and skated and everything was fine. But like I said when you skate back home by yourself or with a couple of guys on the ice you really aren’t pushing yourself to the limits. Yesterday’s practice was at a high level and there was no sense for me to keep going. So I think it is smart for me to go to Philly and get it checked out by our doctors and make sure everything is fine and go from there.”
Q: How disappointed are you?
GAGNE: “A little bit. It is part of the game. But on the other side I did talk to team Canada’s management and coaching staff before I left today and they said not to worry about it. They said they were not there to see how I was going to do. They said they knew that I had the experience of the last two Olympics and that I knew what is going on. They said for me to go back to Philly, get it checked out and have a good start to the season. On that side, I am not too disappointed. This is why I am going back to Philly to find out what I have to do to be ready for training camp.”
Q: How concerned are you about this injury with training camp and the regular season right around the corner?
GAGNE: “Training camp is right around the corner. That is why I am heading back to see Jimmy McCrossin and our doctors. We will try to find out what is best for me and what plan we are going to take. I want to be there and be ready at Day 1 so I will do everything I can and I am sure the doctors will do the same. I am not that concerned right now. We have a plan in mind. We will follow that and I am sure I will be all right for camp.”
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»