Doyle: Matt Kennedy close to returning to action

The best news out of this entire head checking, violence, suspension, etc. mess over the past couple of weeks is that one of the players involved is getting close to returning to action.

Word out of Barrie Tuesday night is that Matt Kennedy is hoping to play Thursday when the Colts play host to the Sudbury Wolves. It would mark exactly two weeks since the overager Kennedy was on the receiving end of Zack Kassian's hit that resulted in Kennedy receiving a concussion and requiring stitches and staples to close wounds on his face and the back of his head. The hit lead to a 20-game suspension for the Windsor Spitfires forward. Colts Head Coach Marty Williamson confirmed to Loosepucks that a final decision will be made on Kennedy's status following Wednesday's practice. Anytime you are dealing with concussions, extra precautions are taken. But Kennedy being cleared to resume skating last week was a positive sign as concussion victims are ordered to not do anything physical, including skating, until given doctor's approval.

Kennedy has been limited to 21 games played this season, scoring 10 goals and 18 points between Barrie and Guelph. He was acquired by the Colts in December for OA defenceman Ryan Gottschalk, two second round picks and a third rounder. He had a breakout season last year, scoring 33 goals, and was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round last June.

tdoyle@loosepucks.com
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