Richard Zednik is one tough hombre

Posted on Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 10:25:24 AM EST in NHL
More on: Panthers, Richard Zednik, accident, injury, recovery, interview (all tags)

Richard Zednik spoke to the media for the first time since his horrific, neck-slashing accident almost two weeks ago, stating he's ready to get back on the ice. It's some pretty impressive stuff considering it looked like he might not even make it out of the arena alive as he left a river of blood in his path following the injury.

I want everyone to know that I am recovering and feeling well and hope to return to the ice as soon as I feel medically fit," he said.

Zednik lost five pints of blood when he was accidentally sliced by the skate of teammate Olli Jokinen in a game against the Sabres.

The 32-year-old forward said he barely felt the skate slice into his carotid artery, but with blood gushing from his neck he knew he was in trouble. "I was like, Whoa. I knew I had to get to the bench."

He said it felt "like being stabbed and quickly realized it was serious".

He was discharged from Buffalo General Hospital a week ago and returned to South Florida. Zednik wants to play again as soon as possible, but it's doubtful he'll return this season.

Zednik said, "I was cut before on my face and I didn't feel it. This time it wasn't a cut, it was like a stab. I felt like somebody stabbed me. It wasn't the pain, it was more like 'What's going to happen?

Don't worry, you weren't the only person who felt like that. We believe the entire world was wondering about your fate. We don't pretend to be some huge hockey followers, but we are thrilled to hear of Zednik's recovery and we guarantee we'll be watching in awe when he returns to the ice for the first time.

Links:
[CBS4.com]: Panthers' Zednik: "I Can't Wait To Be Back On Ice"

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Richard Zednik's throat gets slashed by teammate's skate

Posted on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 09:28:19 AM EST in NHL
More on: Sabres, Panthers, accident, Richard Zednik, throat, video (all tags)

Hockey is a sport that is not meant for the weak at heart. And we aren't just talking about the players. If you're the least bit squeamish then you might want to turn you head for this.

Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik took an inadvertent skate to the throat during yesterday's game against the Sabres, having to undergo major surgery as a result.

That is easily the most horrifying accident that can happen in professional sports and, frankly, we're surprised it doesn't happen more. But we're thankful it doesn't. In fact, once every 19 years is about all we can stomach to be quite honest.

Links:
[TheTimesOnline.com]: Panthers' Zednik Cut on Neck by Skate

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