Calgary Professor and Canadian Tech Revive Avalanche’s Landeskog on Ice
In 2024, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog sought to revive his NHL career with the help of cutting-edge technology and expert guidance at the University of Calgary. He had not played since June 26, 2022, after leading the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Behind this triumph lay a lasting challenge: Landeskog’s deteriorating knee, which required multiple surgeries.
Landeskog’s Knee Challenges
Landeskog underwent cartilage replacement surgery in spring 2023, marking his fourth major knee operation. His injury history began during the 2020 playoff bubble in Edmonton when a skate sliced his right kneecap. Despite his determination, his rehabilitation had been fraught with setbacks.
Dr. Matthew Jordan, a kinesiology professor at the University of Calgary, played a crucial role in Landeskog’s recovery. He noted how the player struggled with flare-ups that hindered his attempts to return to the ice. “It was evident he was worried about his career and how to proceed,” Dr. Jordan stated.
Technological Innovations in Rehabilitation
Landeskog connected with Dr. Jordan through Marcin Goszczynski, a strength and conditioning coach and massage therapist for elite athletes. In early 2024, Landeskog began visiting Calgary regularly for testing and rehabilitation sessions.
- Date of Last NHL Game: June 26, 2022
- Number of Surgeries: Four
- Recent Surgery: Cartilage replacement in spring 2023
- Age: 32 years old
Dr. Jordan’s research contributed to the development of advanced insoles with embedded sensors by Plantiga, based in Vancouver. These insoles monitored Landeskog’s biomechanics during various activities, including training and daily tasks. They provided real-time feedback on his movement patterns, enabling early detection of potential issues.
Recovery Progress and Return to the NHL
With the help of data from his insoles, Landeskog learned to pace himself during his rehabilitation. “At times, thinking I was ready to push forward was misleading,” he admitted. The technology helped him manage his workload effectively, contributing to his successful return.
After testing his knee in American Hockey League games, Landeskog made his NHL comeback in Game 1 of the Avalanche’s playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Dr. Jordan witnessed this moment and felt gratitude for the positive outcome after Landeskog’s arduous journey.
The Future of Athletic Rehabilitation
While the Avalanche faced elimination in the playoffs, Landeskog’s successful return marked a significant milestone in his career. He averaged nearly 14 minutes of playtime per game in the early season and continues to rely on data from the insoles.
“These sensors have been a lifesaver in my training and rehabilitation,” he remarked. Their ability to detect patterns in performance is expected to be a valuable tool for teams across various sports in the future, enhancing athlete recovery and performance safety.
