Veteran Buffalo Sabres player Jochen Hecht not to participate in game against Adler Mannheim -NHL
Having healthy players is the top most priority of any National Hockey League (NHL) team and with the 2011-2012 regular season right around the corner, it is more important to rest players who need it. Same is the case with Buffalo Sabres veteran forward,
Jochen Hecht, who will not be playing against Adler Mannheim on Tuesday due to concussion related issues.
After not taking part in Monday’s team practice due to reoccurring headaches and dizziness, Buffalo Sabres have ruled out having the player on the roster for their last preseason matchup against Adler Mannheim at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany.
"I worked a little hard last week and had some headaches, so I'm taking a step back", Hecht said.
For Hecht, it is certainly frustrating, but being prepared for the upcoming regular season is far more crucial than playing in preseason matchups which are mainly just warm-ups.
"I was looking forward to this all summer", Hecht said. "The way it has worked out now is a little bit disappointing. But, that is the way it is. I have to get healthy for the season".
The 34-year-old is not irritated because he is not participating with his team, since Mannheim, Germany is his birthplace, looking forward to the event part of the 2011 NHL Compuware Premier Series was only but natural.
"It felt great, of course", Hecht added. "Coming here and being able to say hello to the fans that don't get to see me during the summer. They want to show that I belong to them. This is my hometown. I used to be one of them sitting in the stands watching
the team".
Hecht went out with concussion related problems during the last playoffs when Buffalo Sabres were up against Philadelphia Flyers in round-one. He played only one of seven contests and began skating again with the team recently, last Friday on September 30.
Last season, the former 49th overall draft pick during round-two of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by St. Louis Blues, potted 29 points (12 goals 17 assists) in 67 games, making him a valuable contributor to Buffalo.
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