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Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Las Vegas Sun
Wranglers defenseman Mike Madill (9) battles Thunder center Craig Valette for the puck during the first period of action at the Orleans on May 4.
Published Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 | midnight
Updated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 | 6:54 p.m.
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Expanded hockey coverage
Mike Madill hates missing hockey games due to injury.
No matter whether it's a hernia, pulled muscle or even a broken bone, the Las Vegas Wranglers defenseman will try everything to play.
But after absorbing a seemingly routine hit at the end of game 1 of the National Conference finals against the Alaska Aces last year, Madill knew something was wrong with his right knee.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder tried to skate in the morning prior to game 2, but was still in unbearable pain. An MRI would later reveal that Madill had torn his ACL.
"I've taken a lot worse hits before, but this one just caused my leg to go the wrong way," Madill said. "The ACL just exploded."
Since undergoing successful surgery on May 18, Madill has returned to the ice for rehabilitation, but does not expect to play until October or November – a timeline that might not bode well for his future in Las Vegas.
"We can't really do much until I'm healthy," Madill said Thursday during the Wranglers' "Gearage sale" at the Orleans arena. "I love it here. I'd like to stay, but at the same time I don't know what the plans are for me."
Madill said he has spoken with new head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel and that both sides are still weighing their options. If he does not return to Las Vegas, Madill said he would try to play in Europe.
In two seasons with the Wranglers Madill has notched 40 points and 100 penalty minutes in 140 regular season games. He has also recorded 11 points in 31 playoff games.
"I'm here now and we'll just have to wait and see," Madill said. "No matter what happens, I've had a great time here and I've really enjoyed the fan support."
Steve: Keep the stories coming! Hockey withdrawal is a terrible thing.
I feel the same way DMoney...2 months to go
OPEN! OPEN! OPEN!
Even though the Stanley Cup went into late June, have to agree with both of you.
Hope all goes well with Mike Madill.
When Mike got hurt I thought he was playing his best defense of the season.
This guy is a talent on the ice, on the bench and in the locker room. The Wranglers need to keep him for his head at least.
I hope fan support is high this year. The playoffs were just sad last year with the exception of Game 1.