Blackhawks receive a major reinforcement before facing the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Chicago Blackhawks got good news as captain Nick Foligno was able to return to practice after taking a leave of absence to tend to his daughter, who underwent heart surgery.
The Chicago Blackhawks are playing some good hockey right now and have a decent record at 3-2-2 through the opening 7 games of the new season, their 1st under new head coach Jeff Blashill.
They've had to play the last 3 games without captain Nick Foligno, who was away and attending to his daughter Milana, who needed heart surgery to help deal with a congenital heart condition.
The good news is that the surgery was successful, and Foligno has since been back at practice.
The team expects him to be able to return by the time of their next game on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning in sunny Florida.
Foligno is playing in his 3rd year with the Blackhawks and his 2nd since being named captain before last season.
Nick Foligno praised his daughter's strength through such a struggle
Naturally, Foligno is proud of the strength that his daughter is showing at having to undergo such an ordeal at just 12 years old.
"I'm happy to report that Milana's home now and doing well. She's probably the one who gives us the most strength with the way she's handled this adversity. It's impressive for a 12-year-old girl to handle it face-on.
It's been obviously very stressful, but we found a lot of comfort in the support of the hockey community, fans, old teammates, and my second family here [with the Hawks]. It's amazing how when you go through a hard time, everyone bands together to send you a ton of support and love and prayers, and it was felt by our family. We appreciate it so much."
It's been obviously very stressful, but we found a lot of comfort in the support of the hockey community, fans, old teammates, and my second family here [with the Hawks]. It's amazing how when you go through a hard time, everyone bands together to send you a ton of support and love and prayers, and it was felt by our family. We appreciate it so much."
So far this year, Foligno has 2 assists in the 4 games he played in before taking his leave of absence.
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