Back after 6 months

In the last couple months much has happened. In early January I began skating with the Junior Bison with full pads, at that point my hip was still very fragile and pushing it was not an option. I worked hard with therapy to strengthen my entire body back to hockey standards with much help from my therapist Jennifer Knox and both my coaches, Brent Cullaton and Derek Armstrong who were all patient and helpful with what was best for my recovery. Throughout the entire process there was always the hope of salvaging something from this season and coming back to play at the end of the year. However, this idea was mere hope for keeping spirits high for myself and my career rather than a serious thought. Originally I was supposed to be recovering for 8-10 months and my surgeon, Dr. Brian White, seemed to be very set on no sooner than 8 months. However, since January my hip has improved dramatically and returning for playoffs seemed to be more and more of an option. I gave my doctor a call in early February to inquire about my return to sports and his recommended release from his care. To my surprise he was supportive of the idea and said that the opportunity of having playoff experience was worth coming back early and my hip was fully healed.

I dressed for 6 games since the call and was in the rotation for 2. The first period against the New Mexico Renegades was a little nerve racking after 6 months without playing, I made some simple mistakes that I usually would not, but the second game I gained some confidence and performed close to my full capability. I'm looking forward to playoffs this weekend which will be my first junior postseason experience! I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in this recovery especially my family who has had to deal with a injured hockey player going through some serious withdrawals, I'm sure that took more patience than I realize.

Chance Creger Gets the Start After 6mo Recovery

Recovery Skating and Shooting

Recovery Update

Its been two and a half months since my surgery on September 8. The recover is going much better than expected although it is another three and a half months expected at least, until I am game ready. I have been working out daily and practicing with the Boulder Junior Bison on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I began skating three weeks ago with just lightly gliding. Last week I began transitioning and shooting. Everything is feeling great with minimal pain. My therapist is confident that I will make a full recovery. I will continue to practice and travel with the Bison for the remaining months of my recovery.

Surgery Update

I had my surgery this last Thursday, September 8th. I have been home for two days now after spending one night in the hospital. The problems in my hip were a bit worse than what the doctor had first expected. The Labrum was severely damaged and took five anchors to repair it. Also there was an extreme amount of cartilage found in the hip and also a hole in that cartilage underneath the hip joint. The doctors put micro fractures into the bone in order to make the bone bleed to smooth over that hole in the joint. All in all the surgery was performed with perfection and my hip is as good as new with some hard physical therapy. I am now expected to be game ready in 8-10 months instead of 6 with the difficulties encountered in the surgery. I am feeling fairly well right now, the pain is rather difficult to get around and the restricted movement is very uncomfortable with the lifestyle I have. However, I am looking forward to getting back to school and starting physical therapy Monday!

Cole Creger 10-11 Highlights

My little brothers highlights from the 10-11 season

Next Season Update

As many of you have heard by now, I will not be playing hockey this season. Unfortunately what I thought to be a severe groin injury was actually much more serious. I tore the labrum located in my hip and also need 3.5cm of my hip joint carved out in order to make it circular once again. Over my years of playing hockey it has flattened out and is no longer a spherical ball joint. The Surgery takes place on September 8th, and will be preformed by Dr. White who has been one of the primary contributors to research with this surgery which is a fairly new procedure.

The recovery time is six months. 2 weeks bed rest, 2 months on crutches and then 3 and a half weeks of rehabilitation before the doctor will give me the green light to once again begin training. I will be continuing my studies at Boulder Universal Online School for my senior this year. As a career credit I will be writing a paper on the surgery along with the recovery required. I will post the paper once it is complete for everyone to read so you all know what is going on.

I think that this surgery will have its bright sides as well however. I plan on really working on the finesse aspect of the game, working on my hands, footwork, and my shot and coming back a more versatile player adding this finesse to my physical play.  I plan on coming back to Corpus Christi for my first post- high school year of juniors and then hopefully playing for a D1 college on a scholarship in my future!

I will keep everyone updated on my current status!

Thanks for the continued support!