WORCESTER - Its been nearly a year since goaltender Alex Stalock suffered a nerve injury that could have ended the 24-year-old Sharks prospect's career.
Hes ready to return. The St. Paul, Minnesota native will get in his first game action in a week to 10 days, according to the Worcester Telegram, which was on hand at a State of the Sharks event before Worcesters game against Syracuse on Sunday night.
Its an amazing story, San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said. Last year, we werent sure if hed ever play again.
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SIGN UP HERE What has yet to be determined is if Stalock will play in Worcester or with San Joses ECHL affiliate in nearby Stockton, California. Hes been skating with Worcester since Dec. 22.
Stalock was hurt on Feb. 4, 2011 during an AHL game in Manchester, when the Monarchs Dwight King skated over his left leg, severing a nerve.
The Sharks drafted Stalock in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut in relief of Antti Niemi on Feb. 1, 2011, stopping all nine shots he faced in recording the victory in a 5-3 come-from-behind Sharks win.
His injury occurred just three days later, after he was reassigned back to Worcester.