Maple Leafs prospect acknowledges career nearly ended early due to freak injury

After suffering a concussion during development camp last year, a nasty injury in and of itself:

Hirvonen only managed to get a few days into the season before suffering a freak injury which nearly cost him his career, as it severely damaged his vision.

Speaking earlier this offseason about his injury and how it affected him, the young Finn did not hold back when it came to his emotions and pondering if it was already over before it began.

He continued:

There is no doubt it would take anyone, not just a top athlete to heal so one can imagine the anxiety about whether or not they're able to see, let alone play again. It was a huge sign towards recovery when he was able to practice with his team:

Once he came back into the lineup though, it felt like karma rewarded him for all his endurance and mental fortitude, as he scored an assist in his first game back which must have felt like the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders.

Hirvonen ended up scoring 7 goals and adding 6 assists in 37 games for the Marlies after making an incredible comeback; and it would be fantastic to see Hirvonen make his way to the NHL after the unfortunate start to his young career.

Source: The Hockey News
'S*** Happens': Maple Leafs Prospect Roni Hirvonen's Career-Threatening Eye Injury, His Difficult Year, and How He Persevered Through It

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