PAUL BUCZKOWSKI       Bio       Setting Goals       Respect       Back to School       Professionalism       Those in the know       Turn It Positive       Finding a Job       Eye Protection       Playing Injured       Gearing Up       WCHL vs. CHL       Europe v. N.A.       Specific Training       Training Camps       Road to Success       Dedication       Life in the WHL SANDY LAMARRE       Bio       Season to Forget       College vs. Junior       Sportsmanship       Game Prep       Conditioning FORBES MACPHERSON       Making the Jump BRIAN PATAFIE       Bio       Stretching       ICE PATRICK POWERS       Is Hockey Just a Sport? ANDREW ZOPPO       Be Tenacious
	PlayYourGame.com is proud to welcome Sandy Lamarre as a feature writer. As a 5th year professional, Sandy will bring insight to all parts of the game. Season To Forget By Sandy Lamarre March 7, 2002 As a player, sometimes we realize that we can't be superheros. We work hard in the off-season to avoid injuries and to try to be in the best shape of our lives only to run into bad luck. With so many games in a span of six months, we can't always be so lucky. This season I can relate to this story. I spent my off-season rehabbing from knee surgery for a torn meniscus. I worked hard for the 4 months I had in the summer. I did all the right things, took my time and did not rush it. I worked on getting my left knee and surrounding muscles strong. It took a while, but when I went to camp this year, I was ready and felt great. I had a good camp and was excited to start the season. It was a Friday morning, the last practice before our first game of the season. The practice was over, and coach had given his speech to get us ready for the game that night. I skated away from the on-ice get-together and went to take a shot on net when something happened. I am not sure why but my knee gave out, and the next thing I remember I was on the ice almost in tears. I have been playing hockey for many years, and I have never felt pain like that. The trainer ran on the ice and guys carried me off. All I could think and say to myself was that I was done for the year. My knee swelled up right away and I couldn't bend it. I went to the doctor's office and he said at the time I sprained my medial collateral ligament in my right knee. He said to take three weeks off and come back. Three weeks went by and I was back to play. We had a road trip coming up, and it was going to be my first game since my injury. We had to play three games in three nights, which is not rare in the minors. I played the first two games and had four points, and I was feeling good. The third game wasn't so much fun. Ten minutes into the second period, I took a shot and injured my knee again. This time I had an MRI done, and the results revealed that I dislocated my right kneecap. My only option was surgery to repair it and three months of rehab. Three months later, I came back and was traded. I played my first game for Kalamazoo and scored. I was excited, and all that hard work had paid off. The next night was going well until eight minutes into the first period. I was in the corner, and my kneecap dislocated again. Again all I said was "I am done" and could not believe what was happening to me. I worked hard and in just two games I was back where I started. This time it really hit me that I would need some serious surgery if I were ever to play hockey again. Mentally and physically, it is hard for me to handle. All I think about is life after this and can't imagine ending my hockey career like this. I know I will be back, because there is no way I am quitting. All I can tell you from my experience is to stay positive during times like this. I know it is hard, because I am not past this obstacle yet. But, what I will tell you is that there is no way I am letting this injury win. This time I will work harder and be in better shape so I can continue doing what I love, playing hockey... Sandy Lamarre 1 Year UHL 2 Years ECHL 2 Years WPHL
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