Chris Brown Returns to Hershey for Conditioning Stint

HERSHEY, PA – Chris Brown smiles at morning skate Friday with the Hershey Bears. (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

It has been a tough road this season for Chris Brown. After breaking his finger in the preseason with Washington, requiring surgery, he found himself stuck in no man’s land. Now after a month of rehab with the Caps, the Texas native returns to Hershey for a conditioning stint.

“I feel good,” Brown said at morning skate Friday. “Just been kind of getting skating and trying to get back in the swing of things. Game conditioning is a lot different from skating on your own. I’m looking to get back into it and contribute.”

Since the injury happened, Brown has stayed in Washington with the Caps to rehab the injury. In a story done by former Washington Post writer Alex Prewitt, it showed how Brown struggled in the mental aspect of the game for Washington. Capitals head coach Barry Trotz cited the fact Brown looked to much at the big picture.

But since working with a “mental toughness coach”, the 24-year-old found himself in a better position with the big club. “I felt really comfortable,” he said about his rehab time in Washington. “That was the biggest key; I felt like I’m an NHL player. Obviously practicing with the guys and not playing is difficult, but the training staff was a really big help.”

After the two-week condition stint is up with Hershey, Brown will return to Washington, baring any changes from the Capitals. “I want to get back up to DC and play on a full time NHL roster. I’m looking to get back into shape. I think this is a good thing for me, and the organization as well, is to get back down here and get some games in and trying to get into the flow.

“While I’m here, I’m going to do everything I possibly can to help this team. I’m a Bear right now and looking to contribute.”