Stensrud returns to the ice for the first time since injury

Commentator/Courier File Photo Medicine Hat Cubs' forward Tristan Stensrud returned to the ice for his first game on Nov. 30.

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

Medicine Hat Cubs forward and Bow Island native Tristan Stensrud had a memorable moment on Nov. 30.
The overage forward stepped on the ice for the first time in Sylvan Lake with the club after a dirt biking accident five months ago left him with an eye injury and brain bleeding.
“It was a pretty surreal moment,” said Stensrud.
“I was just going home (Saturday morning) and had just gotten home to help my dad on the farm and Steve (CO-coach Leipert) phoned me. He said ‘What’s your plans today?’ I told him I was slowly working around, kind of killing some time. He said ‘You’re in the line-up today.’’’
Stensrud says he admits he was not prepared for the news that Saturday and was shocked by the phone call.
“I definitely had to tell my mom and dad. They were definitely happy that I was still going to practices and they didn’t know what their plan was for me,” he said.
“They know the team supports me and supports every guy on that team. I know my mom shed quite a few tears. She was pretty ecstatic I was able to play. They came up and watched as well. It was a pretty good moment for them too.”
Stensrud saw the eye surgeon back in September and she saw no reason as to why he could not try and play hockey.
“I went out in the middle of September and just practiced with the team for a month-and-a-half,” he said.
“I was getting more adapted to my vision. I don’t notice a difference at all anymore but I have to wear this lens. I’ve gotten severely used to it. The coaches were watching me at practice and see how I looked out there. Obviously, I looked to (be) put in a game situation.”
He says the first bump was a little rough because he forgot to put his elbow pads on after warm up for the first period.
The Cubs won the game 6-2 to make the evening more special.