I thought I would just update you all on some of the smaller news stories concerning the Avalanche (and their prospects).

First up, I never mentioned that Avalanche prospect Troy Rutkowski and his team, the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL made it to the WHL finals for the second year in a row. WHile each year they came up just short of the ultimate prize, I think it provided a lot of good experience in pressured situations for the young player.

Second, Dillon Donnelly. The Avalanche picked him up 183rd overall in last year’s draft. His team (the Shawinigan Cataractes) just won the QMJL Memorial Cup. Once again, valuable experience that I think will benefit Donnelly should he reach the NHL.

Joey Hishon, in his Owen Sound Attack uniform. Photo: Tabercil/Flickr.

The third (and final prospect I want to talk about) is Joey Hishon. Hishon was the Avalanche’s first round pick in 2010. Last year, during the tournament for the Memorial Cup, Hishon was the victim of a brutal hit from Buffalo Sabres rookie Brayden McNabb. Since that time, Hishon has not played hockey. If you are interested in seeing the hit, see below. Personally, it made me a bit queasy.

Recently he tweeted (in three seperate tweets): “I want 2 thank @10_AMac for helping me so much through my recovery process, suggesting hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and having my best interests. I am now on the proper path to recovery and working towards becoming a professional athlete like I have always dreamed. @SarasGardenHBOT is where I did my treatments. I would recommend this facility to anyone in need. This treatment has endless possibilities.”

I’ve done some research on MayoClinic.com on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The therapy is essentially breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. In these chambers, the air pressure is increased to three times the normal pressure, allowing the lungs to take in up to three times the normal amount of oxygen. The treatment is used in a variety of cases. It is considered particularly effective when the injury involves damaged tissue. The damaged tissue often needs more oxygen than healthy tissue, as it is trying to recover. Thus, the pressurized chamber allows the body to absorb the extra oxygen needed for healing.

For more information, I would recommend going to Sara’s Garden, the facility where Hishon was treated.