The Blackhawks practiced Thursday morning without their coach; Chicago Breaking Sports reports that coach Joel Quenneville is still in the hospital, with “internal bleeding”. That can be a pretty serious thing, and assistant coach Mike Haviland continues to run the team.
Several members of the Blackhawks exchanged texts with their coach:
“I sent him a text and a couple of other guys did as well,” veteran forward Patrick Sharp said. “I’ve been in that position before when you’re away from the team and … just to hear from guys in the organization is a good feeling. Hopefully it lifted his spirits. I know he was happy with the way we finished the game the last two periods.”
Winger Patrick Kane said he texted Quenneville following Wednesday’s game and saw the reply Thursday morning.
“I think he’s doing a lot better,” Kane said. “I’m not sure what’s going on with him health-wise. It’s good to hear he’s doing better and hopefully we’ll have him back soon.”
CBS 2 Chicago reports that Quenneville is in “great spirits” and hopes to be back behind the Blackhawks’ bench for Friday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.