Excellent reporting today from HockeyBuzz writers Bill Meltzer and Al Cimaglia:
Bill Meltzer: As many people suspected, Peter Forsberg is not quite done yet in his attempt to come back and play hockey.
Sweden's Expressen newspaper is reporting that Forsberg had his foot examined over the weekend and got some "encouraging" news.
I've translated Jonas Falman's Expressen article below:
**
Hope lives for Foppa after doctor's answer
The first step toward saving Peter Forsberg's career has been taken -- with an examination of his injured (right) foot in the USA over the weekend.
Dr. Bertil Romanus gave an encouraging answer to Sport-Expression: "I can say now that I think we can solve the issues with his foot, so that it won't hinder Peter from playing hockey again."
It's been quiet in the Forsberg cap ever since he was was forced to break off his comeback at the Karjala Cup. But over the weekend he met with foot specialist Bertil Romanus in Phoenix.
"Peter at present is on a trip to the USA and was able to meet up with me. I've looked at and tested (klämt= clamped down on)the foot. It feels quite positive."
In what way?
"The problem that was in the foot we operated on during the summer is definitely gone. Now it feels different, not at all like before the operation."
"In the beginning of October, Peter's foot was so good that he was able to skate all out and I definitely believe we can find a way to get him back to that."
Are you suprised by the setback (that happened) with the foot when Peter was suddenly forced to leave the Swedish national team?
"Both yes and no. Feet are so complicated and this is a tremendously complex injury. But, at the same time, the foot had been functioning in line with what we'd hoped three months after the surgery."
According to Dr. Romanus, no new surgery on the foot is imminent in the near future.
"We'll have another consult at the end of next week when I go home to Sweden. Until then, Peter will try a few different things on his own."
What what he be doing?
"He'll be trying to use a special new brace in his skate. In addition, Peter's gotten a training regimen from me in which he will skate daily. There are some different exercises than he's done before that are concentrated on eliminating the movement in the right foot when he pulls his feet together as he strides- that is to say, the issue that's been the problem."
Do you think that Peter can play again this season?
"Yes. I think it's possible and we are on the right path. Both Peter and I feel hopeful and will have patience with the process."
Al Cimaglia: The Blackhawks will hold a noon Press Conference today to name a new Club President. It has just been reported by local Chicago Newspapers that John McDonough will resign from his position as Chicago Cubs President and will assume the same position with the Blackhawks. Rocky Wirtz has not hesitated to employ a new direction for his Franchise and the naming of McDonough to oversee the Blackhawks will certainly serve notice that this is a new era for Chicago hockey.
McDonough past resume includes a long stint as the head of marketing and broadcasting for the Cubs. During that time he was considered to be a very creative and forward thinking executive. He was responsible for the Cubs annual convention and guided many other creative promotions. He was named Cubs President in 2006 and was very forceful in his pursuit to provide a winning culture at Wrigley Field. McDonough is thought of as an aggressive sports executive and now his passion will shift to the Blackhawks.
This announcement has caught many in Chicago by surprise. The hiring of McDonough is a further signal of the aggressive nature of Rocky Wirtz concerning his attempt to resurrect his Blackhawks Franchise.
Released from the Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 20, 2007
CHICAGO -W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz, chairman of The Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team, today named John McDonough to the office of President.
“We have moved rapidly in the last several weeks to assemble a group focused on bringing the Stanley Cup to Chicago,” Wirtz said. “By hiring John McDonough, we are adding one of the top talents in sports management and marketing. I am thrilled we found a guy who grew up in Chicago, stayed here and achieved outstanding success here. There are 81 years of history with the Blackhawk franchise and John understands that.”
“While it takes a special group of athletes on the ice to win a championship, we need those same star qualities of creativity, vision and leadership in the front office. John has those qualities and will compliment the talents of General Manager Dale Tallon and Coach Denis Savard,” Wirtz added.
McDonough, 54, joins the Hawks after working in the Chicago Cubs organization for close to 25 years, the last year as the president. As the Cubs chief, and in his previous role as senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting, he was widely viewed as a sports marketing and management innovator who has been credited with playing a major role in growing the Cubs’ fan base and attracting sponsorships for one of the most successful pro sports franchises in the country.
“What John did was create the partnerships that brought resources to the Cubs so they could pursue talented ballplayers. We will be relying on his creativity as he takes the helm of the Blackhawks to help us reach our ultimate goal of winning a championship,” Wirtz said.
Under the multi-year agreement, McDonough will be responsible for all day to day operations both on and off the ice. He will report directly to Rocky Wirtz, who will remain actively involved, and work closely with Tallon and Savard
“I am honored to be here. From a professional standpoint, I can’t think of a more exciting challenge than the one that lies ahead. I view this as a tremendous opportunity that will allow me to leverage all of my skills and experience. I look forward to working with Rocky, Dale and Denis to continue the positive momentum they have created with this team. And I know with that continued commitment, we can and will bring a Stanley Cup back to Chicago,” explained McDonough.
Rocky Wirtz assumed the role of chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks following the passing of his father William W. Wirtz in September, 2007. Prior to today’s announcement, he moved to realign front office staff and struck a deal with Comcast SportsNet to put a select group of this season’s home games back on television, with discussions about additional games continuing.
McDonough joined the Chicago Cubs in 1983. He rose through the managerial ranks and in October, 2006, was named president of the organization. An Edison Park native, McDonough is a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois and St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He resides in the Northwest suburbs with his wife, Karen. They have three children.
Jim De Maria
Executive Director of Communications, Broadcasting & Community Outreach
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