Hawks’ Ben Smith has no problem with Red Wings’ Brendan Smith
BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com October 4, 2011 10:26PM
Ben Smith
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Updated: November 16, 2011 9:00AM
Ben Smith isn’t one to hold grudges.
The Blackhawks forward appreciates that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith apologized for knocking him out with a nasty-looking shoulder-to-head hit at a time when all contact to the head undergoes the league’s scrutiny.
“He sent me a text,” Smith said. “It was nice of him. I respect that. Obviously, it didn’t seem like it was on purpose.”
Smith practiced for the first time Tuesday since suffering a concussion last Wednesday. It wasn’t his first concussion, but Smith would only say that he has had “more than one.”
Smith doesn’t remember too much from the hit, but he has watched the replay a few times. He doesn’t think it was a dirty play, but he respects the league’s decision to spend Brendan Smith for eight games.
“It’s a rough game, and some things happen,” Smith said.
Ben Smith, who secured a roster spot despite missing the final two preseason games, is grateful that his symptoms didn’t take long to disappear.
“These things are dangerous,” Smith said. “It’s really day-by-day. It could take six, seven months. It could take a couple weeks.”
Smith didn’t participate in all drills at practice, but coach Joel Quenneville said that he could be cleared for contact Wednesday and that he could play in the season opener Friday.
Injury report
Patrick Sharp (appendectomy) will play Friday. Dave Bolland (upper-body injury) didn’t practice Tuesday, but Joel Quenneville remains hopeful that he’ll practice Wednesday and play in the opener.
