On June 10th, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche faced off against the Seattle Kraken in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. While the game itself was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, it was the story of Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano that captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Cogliano, a veteran of over 1,100 NHL games, suffered a fractured neck injury in Game 5 of the series. The injury occurred when he collided with Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn and fell awkwardly to the ice. Cogliano was immediately attended to by Avalanche medical staff and was eventually taken off the ice on a stretcher.
The news of Cogliano’s injury sent shockwaves through the Avalanche organization and the hockey world as a whole. A fractured neck is a serious injury that can have long-lasting effects on a player’s health and career. Many wondered if Cogliano would ever be able to play hockey again.
However, just one day after suffering the injury, Cogliano shocked everyone by returning to the Avalanche lineup for Game 6. He was wearing a neck brace and had limited mobility, but he was determined to help his team in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
Cogliano’s return to the ice was met with both admiration and concern. While many praised his toughness and dedication to his team, others worried about the potential risks associated with playing with a fractured neck. The Avalanche medical staff closely monitored Cogliano throughout the game and made sure he was not putting himself in harm’s way.
Despite his injury, Cogliano played a key role in the Avalanche’s 3-2 victory over the Kraken in Game 6. He logged over 13 minutes of ice time and even recorded an assist on Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winning goal in the third period.
After the game, Cogliano spoke to reporters about his decision to play through the injury. “I knew it was going to be tough, but I wanted to be out there with my teammates,” he said. “I trust our medical staff and they gave me the green light to play. It was a tough game, but I’m glad we got the win.”
Cogliano’s return to the ice in Game 6 was a testament to his toughness and dedication to his team. While his injury was undoubtedly serious, he was able to overcome it and help his team advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. His story is a reminder of the sacrifices that athletes make to compete at the highest level and the importance of having a strong support system in place.
