22-year-old Maple Leafs prospect confirms his career nearly ended prematurely
Photo credit: STEVEN ELLIS/DAILY FACEOFF
Roni Hirvonen had a horrific start to his career with the Maple Leafs organization, which almost ended before it started.
The 22-year-old, 2020 second-round pick began last season by getting a concussion during Leafs' development camp. That was courtesy of Nolan Dillingham catching him with a massive open-ice hit during the "blue and white" game.
After recovering from the concussion, Hirvonen's season almost ended before it began as he took a stick to the eye against the Utica Comets, which caused significant damage.
Hirvonen, finally speaking about the incident earlier this year, revealed that he thought his career was over.
"Of course there was [a doubt]. Until I tried to play on the ice again," Hirvonen said.
Hirvonen couldn't do anything as he waited for his eye to heal, which for anyone, would be very difficult. For a pro hockey player, though, it must have been an absolute nightmare not know whether or not your career would continue.
"You are on the ice every day and then when you can't do it for months, it's tough. And then it was just, waiting after for the eye to heal."
Thankfully, Hirvonen has been able to make a full recovery and is looking to put last season and its injuries behind him heading into training camp. He is expected to be a key contributor for the Marlies this season and could push for some NHL games at some point, perhaps as soon as this season.
Source: Hockey DB
Roni Hirvonen Stats
Roni Hirvonen Stats
| POLL | ||
AOUT 25 | 676 ANSWERS 22-year-old Maple Leafs prospect confirms his career nearly ended prematurely Will Hirvonen play NHL games this season? | ||
| Yes | 227 | 33.6 % |
| No | 390 | 57.7 % |
| 59 | 8.7 % | |
| List of polls | ||
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