Gabriel Landeskog Returns to Ice with Help from Calgary Tech

In a remarkable comeback, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has returned to the NHL after a long battle with knee injuries. Landeskog had not played a game since June 26, 2022, when he celebrated the Avalanche’s victory in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His absence was largely due to a series of surgeries, including a cartilage replacement in the spring of 2023, following a severe injury sustained during the 2020 playoffs.

The 30-year-old Swede faced significant challenges in his rehabilitation, experiencing setbacks that tested his resolve. “He was really struggling,” said Dr. Matthew Jordan, an assistant kinesiology professor at the University of Calgary and lead researcher at the Integrative Neuromuscular Sport Performance Lab. “He had made a couple of attempts to get back on the ice, and both times had been affected by flare-ups in his knee.”

Landeskog’s journey back to the ice began in the spring of 2024 when he sought assistance from the University of Calgary. He connected with Marcin Goszczynski, a strength and conditioning coach and massage therapist, who facilitated their collaboration. Following several visits to Calgary for testing, the team began devising a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, which included cutting-edge technology.

Innovative Technology Aids Rehabilitation

Central to Landeskog’s recovery was technology developed by Jordan in partnership with Plantiga, a Vancouver-based company. They created a specialized insole equipped with sensors that Landeskog placed in both his skate boots and everyday shoes. These microchips monitored his biomechanics, detecting any deviations in his gait that could indicate potential setbacks.

The data collected allowed Jordan to closely monitor Landeskog’s movements not only during training sessions but also in his daily activities. “We could literally pick up the subtle changes in how Gabe’s walk patterns were ebbing and flowing,” Jordan explained. The system alerted them when Landeskog’s movements changed significantly, prompting necessary adjustments in his training regimen.

This real-time feedback proved vital for Landeskog. “The athlete in us just wants to go, go, go,” he noted. “So the data was good sometimes to pull in the reins a little bit.”

Successful Return to Play

Landeskog’s persistence paid off when he tested his knee in a few games with the American Hockey League (AHL) before rejoining the Avalanche for their playoff series against the Dallas Stars. In Game 1 of that series, the crowd erupted as his name was announced, marking a triumphant return to the sport he loves. Jordan was present for the momentous occasion, recalling, “To see his wife and his kids… just felt a lot of gratitude for being able to see an outcome that’s positive.”

Although the Avalanche were eliminated in seven games, Landeskog’s return to the NHL was a significant milestone. He averaged nearly 14 minutes of ice time in his first 16 games of the season, continuing to benefit from the data provided by his insoles. “Honestly, they are the lifesaver for me in terms of my training and rehab,” he stated.

As he continues to navigate his professional journey, Landeskog remains optimistic. The technology that aided his rehabilitation is at the forefront of sports science and is proving instrumental for athletes recovering from injuries. His story highlights the intersection of sports and technology, demonstrating how innovative solutions can aid in overcoming physical challenges.