Ryan Winterton Back at Climate Pledge Arena, but Not Ready to Play Just Yet
The Kraken got some good news Thursday morning when Ryan Winterton skated with the team at Climate Pledge Arena for the first time in nearly two weeks. But don't expect to see him in the lineup against Utah tonight. The rookie forward is back, but he's still processing one of the hardest stretches of his life.
Winterton took leave on March 23 while the team was in Florida to be with his family. His brother Jacob, just 25 years old, lost his battle with cancer a little over a week ago. Jacob had been fighting Stage 4 bone cancer, which eventually spread to his lungs. The two brothers grew up together in Ontario and both played in the Ontario Hockey League before taking different paths. Jacob went on to play college hockey at the University of Guelph, where the school held a Hockey Fights Cancer fundraiser last November that exceeded their initial $5,000 goal in his honor.
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When Winterton dropped to one knee at center ice during Thursday's morning skate, his teammates lined the circle and gave him stick taps. It was a moment of solidarity for a guy who has been a solid contributor this season with four goals and 14 assists over 62 games. Coach Lane Lambert made sure everyone understood what this moment meant.
"It means a lot to the group. It's good to see him back," Lambert said. "Obviously just a sad and very difficult situation for him and his family. I think there's some closure for him now, which helps, and it's nice to see him back."
Timeline Still TBD
Thursday's skate was Winterton's first ice time in 13 days, so there's no rush to get him back into games. Lambert said the timeline for his return to game action hasn't been decided yet. "He's a big piece of our team. He's played some good hockey for us this year and we've missed him since he's been gone," the coach added.
The Kraken take on Utah Thursday night at Climate Pledge Arena. Winterton will be around the team, but his focus right now is on healing and being present with his family.
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