Winnipeg Sun
Tuesday, March 12, 2002
By Ken Wiebe -- Winnipeg Sun

Leeb moves closer: Right-winger Brad Leeb practised yesterday for the first time since suffering a knee injury on Feb. 17, but did not participate in any contact drills.

Leeb will not accompany the team to Grand Rapids for tomorrow's game with the league-leading Griffins, but could be available on the weekend when the Moose return home to begin a five-game homestand.

"I don't really want to target an exact date but Friday and Sunday are good possibilities," said Leeb, who has 17 goals and 32 points in 56 games. "I'd like to get back as soon as possible, I'm more anxious to get back than anybody."

Drawing on the experience from a similar knee injury last season has helped Leeb deal with the rehabilitation process.

"I'm skating a little bit more and getting a little more demanding on the ice and feeling more confident every day," said Leeb. "I know what to expect and how far it has to go to get back to playing ability. I'd say it's about 70%, I don't think it's going to get back to 100% this year. It's always going to be a little loose and a little weaker.

"It's tough, especially right now because we're fighting for very important points. I'd like to be in the room and on the ice and try to make a difference out there. It adds to my desire to get back as soon as I can."



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