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Wednesday, June 14, 2000
Wingfield's recovery progressing during 'Rays' off-season
Forward has titanium rod removed from his lower right leg
By Kris Claybrook
Caller-Times
 |
| Caller-Times file |
| Corpus Christi forward Brad Wingfield is in the midst of rehabilitation after having a 12-inch rod removed from his leg after playing with it all last season. |
Brad Wingfield, who scored 13 goals and had 22 assists while he and the IceRays made it to the playoffs, had a pretty good 1999-2000 season - all while he played with a nearly 12-inch long titanium rod in his leg.
The rod was placed after a 1998 injury, when the Corpus Christi forward suffered a spiral fracture of the right tibia, or shin, and shattered his right fibula, another leg bone located behind the shin, while charging the net during a game.
While most IceRays were enjoying their off-season in May, Wingfield had the titanium rod removed from his leg by having it pulled through a small incision in his knee. Five screws, two in the ankle and three in the knee, that were used to connect the rod to the joints, also were taken out.
The pole was put into Wingfield's right leg to fuse the bones. He missed the rest of 1998, but was determined to come back for the 1999 season. After extensive rehabilitation, Wingfield returned for last season.
"He suffered a very serious injury," said IceRays coach Taylor Hall. "For some people who have had this injury, it has ended their career. I was impressed with his hard work and the time he put in, but not surprised."
Wingfield successfully completed last season, but not as smoothly as it may have looked, he said.
"I wasn't sure if I would be affected (mentally), but the first time I drove the net, it didn't worry me at all," Wingfield said.
The physical road to recovery was paved with pain, but Wingfield expected as much, he said.
"I imagine I will always feel the pain," Wingfield said, "but it was bad with the rod in my leg because I couldn't ice it."
Most of his problems this past season were because of nerve damage.
"The problem was with my ankle," said Wingfield, who already has signed for the 2000 season. "I had difficulty skating backward and cornering. My play wasn't hampered, but I was uncomfortable and it wasn't fun to practice. I was fine until the schedule wore me down."
Now, with the rod removed, phase two of Wingfield's rehabilitation has started.
He is not supposed to do any activities that involve putting excessive weight on his leg for at least six to eight weeks. Because the bone is hollow, he isn't allowed to do any impact exercises. Each day, Wingfield rides a stationary bike for 45 minutes and then walks in sand.
"He will have much of the same role as he has had in the past," Hall said. "Brad has become a leader on the team. He has a large physical presence and he is a big part of the club. This part should be easier for him, but he still needs to be careful and not to push too hard."
Staff writer Kris Claybrook can be reached at 886-3617 or by e-mail at claybrookk@caller.com
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