The Bruins were back at their normal practice home in Wilmington on Thursday for another informal practice ahead of the NHL season, and a familiar and welcomed face was on hand.
Bruins winger Nathan Horton made his first appearance of the “offseason” on the ice alongside his teammates, under the watchful eye of everyone in attendance. Horton says he’s healthy and ready to go after suffering another concussion last season that limited him to just 46 games.
“I feel great,” Horton told reporters, according to The Boston Globe. “I’ve had a lot of time to work out and get back to normal. Obviously it’s been tough for everyone this year. It’s not the way anybody wanted it to be. But I feel great. Better than I have in a long time.”
Horton’s time with the Bruins has been highlighted by some clutch goals, especially in the B’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2011. However, concussions have also been a big part of his Boston tenure, after an Aaron Rome hit concussed him in Game 3 of the Cup Final against Vancouver. Last season, it was a high hit from Philadelphia’s Tom Sestito that cost Horton his season.
“It’s a tough thing to go through,” Horton said, according to the Globe. “But I’m looking forward now. It’s in the past. I’m looking forward to being around the guys and having some fun.”
Horton has scored 43 goals and added 42 assists in 126 games with the Bruins since coming over in a trade with the Panthers prior to the 2010-11 season.
