David Arduin has faced his first tough test in Junior A hockey.
The Sechelt native signed to play with the British Columbia Hockey League's (BCHL) Vernon Vipers this season.
He worked hard in the off-season, getting in shape and preparing himself for the leap from Junior B to Junior A.
Arduin had high hopes for a breakout campaign, but that all changed in his first weekend of play. Arduin suffered a serious shoulder injury, so serious, initially the club thought he might have to undergo surgery and be lost indefinitely.
But Arduin persevered and last weekend rejoined the team for a three-game home stand.
The Vipers beat Powell River Friday and Williams Lake on Saturday and dropped a one-goal decision in overtime to Penticton.
Arduin got his first point in a Viper uniform on Sunday, assisting on the tying goal.
"It was great getting back into the line-up," Arduin said Monday afternoon from Vernon. "We played really well on the weekend. I was glad I could get in there and contribute."
Arduin spent eight weeks out of the line-up nursing himself back to health. He knows it's going to be a big adjustment at the start finding his game again.
"Our team is 23 games into the season and I'm playing game three," he said. "You can't expect miracles overnight, but at the same time, I have to perform and justify my place in the line-up. I felt good last weekend. The shoulder held up well and I thought I skated pretty hard. I felt good."
Arduin's injury was a third degree AC separation of his right shoulder, which he suffered in an early season game against Merritt.
"For the first two or three weeks I couldn't do anything. Not even ride the stationary bike," he said. "By the fourth week I started skating again and gradually, through lots of physio, I started with a little contact and game situations. I got back two weeks earlier than the doctors predicted, so that's a bonus."
While Arduin was away from the team, the Vipers made a series of trades to upgrade the squad. Vernon is currently tied for top spot in the Interior Division with Salmon Arm and Penticton.
"We're now just starting to gel and come together as a team," Arduin said. "I think I have to develop my overall game, with a greater emphasis on defence. Everyone is faster, bigger and it's better hockey than what I'm used to. I'm excited and ready to do whatever they want me to do and help this team win a championship."
