The Carolina Hurricanes have recalled Bryan Bickell from their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.
The Hurricanes have also recalled 23-year-old Andrew Poturalski from the Checkers. Phil Di Giuseppe and Lucas Wallmark have been sent down to play for Charlotte in light of recent news.
#Canes have recalled Bryan Bickell for first time since being diagnosed with MS in early November. He has 4pts in 10 GP getting ready in AHL
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 3, 2017
Bryan Bickell, From Past to Present
Bickell has not seen NHL action since November, when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). He was assigned to the Charlotte Checkers in February, recording four points over the span of ten games.
The 30-year-old was drafted 41st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004. After spending his first three seasons in the AHL, the Blackhawks recalled Bickell for the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bickell earned himself a ring, and went on to spend the first nine years of his career with Chicago.
After the 2015-2016 season, the Blackhawks traded Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Artur Kayumov and a 2017 third round pick.
In November, Bryan Bickell missed multiple games due to an unexplainable pain in his leg and shoulder. Upon further review, the forward was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Carolina’s head coach, Bill Peters, made it clear that Bickell has “done everything he possibly can to get himself ready and get back at it, so we’ll see where it leads”. As an inspiration to many, his return shines a light on the feel-good side of sports.
Ever since 2015, Bickell’s health began to take a turn for the worst. With the 2016-2017 season coming to a close, Bickell has been provided with a chance to see NHL action. The last game he played for the Carolina Hurricanes was on October 30, 2016.
After receiving his diagnosis, Bickell said “I am hopeful I will be able to return to the ice and continue playing the game that I love.” On April 3rd, 2017, Bickell’s story will continue its uphill climb.
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