Anaheim Ducks‘ rookie center Stefan Noesen(64) was probably thinking if it wasn’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all to begin his pro career.
Originally an Ottawa Senators‘ 1st round pick in the 2011 draft (#21 overall), he was traded after three seasons of more than a point-per-game production in juniors with Plymouth Whalers.
Ready to start with his new team, he was reassigned to minor league affiliate Norfolk Admirals and after only two games in, he popped both his acl and mcl requiring season ending surgery.
The tough-playing forward that’s always grinding in front of the opposing net was able to return for the second round of the playoffs and instantly contributed 4 assists in 4 postseason contests before being eliminated.
Ready to make a comeback for his new first campaign to start 2014/2015, he got all of four games under his belt before yet again fell to an injury to the tune of a severely cut Achilles’ tendon that required him to be sidelined for another 3 and a half month stint.
Finally set to begin what should be a great run playing the sport he loves, the 6’2″ 205 lbs. pivot was introduced back into the lineup and isn’t looking back.
In 23 AHL games he has 3 goals and 5 assists on a team that is win challenged but he always brings the energy and the gusto.
The 22-year old’s persistence to be a difference maker on the ice has caught the attention of the parent club who gave him a first NHL recall.
He skated a conservative 10 shifts for 6:54 total ice time with one breakup.
This digger prospect will definitely find his place in the show eventually but needs to continue to work hard to completely return to form and assure his place.