Tom Poti Returns for First Game in Two Years

HERSHEY, PA – Washington Capital Tom Poti stands during warm-ups on January 13, 2013 before playing his first game in two years (Tim Stough – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

January 12, 2011. That was the last time Tom Poti was on the ice playing in a hockey game. Poti has had a loitering groin problems and at one point, a fractured pelvis. “It was awesome,” Poti said after Hershey’s 5-0 win against the Connecticut Whale. “It’s good to have some fun again and play some hockey.”

During the injury, Poti and Capitals General Manager George McPhee thought the vet d-man would never play again, but Poti has made the comeback. “There was always an outside chance I would never play hockey again. It’s pretty special to get out there on the ice.”

And that comeback was a big one. Poti would score a goal on the power play for Hershey, his first AHL one ever and his first since November 26th, 2011. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been on the power play actually. It was nice to get out there on the man advantage. (Almeida) made a nice play down low and I was able to put it home.”

Mark French said there is no time table for Poti, but liked his efforts tonight. “I thought he was a consummate professional on how he managed his game. I thought he was very efficient; he avoided contact, you could see his over all skill level.”

“It felt a little bit weird,” said the 35-year-old defenseman. “It was exciting. I was happy driving up here to be able to play a game. It was fun to be out there playing hockey again.”