Bursich's speedy return boosts Icers

Sportscaster Al Michaels once uttered the phrase, "Do you believe in miracles?"

Although it wasn't as monumental as a bunch of American college kids beating the Soviet Union in ice hockey, the fact that Penn State forward Ed Bursich was back on the ice in so little time was still a miracle in itself.

Bursich's injury wasn't as severe as believed. He had a slight tear in his medial collateral ligament (MCL), an injury which doctors say sidelines an athlete four to six weeks.

But the doctors didn't count on Bursich's desire.

"I went down and they said four to six weeks or whatever," Bursich said, "But I said, 'No way is that going to happen.' "

Just three weeks after going down with what many feared to be a season-ending injury, Bursich returned to the Icer lineup to help Penn State to 5-1 and 13-4 victories over Erie Community College this past weekend at the ice pavilion.

Bursich picked up two goals and an assist in Saturday afternoon's contest but was a presence in the offensive zone both nights.

"Eddie is great in front of the net," defenseman Jason Zivkovic said. "He's just a bull down there. He's so hard to move in front of the net."

Although it was Bursich's first weekend back, it looked like business as usual for the forward.

"Eddie doesn't look like he's missed a step," Icer coach Joe Battista said.

Bursich credits his quick return and immediate impact to a burning desire to play again and strenuous workouts, workouts he needed in order to return so soon.

"I worked out as much as I could in the weight room every day and riding the bike," Bursich said, "Though riding the bike isn't the same as skating."

Although he was ready and eager to return to action, Bursich admits he had a little trouble getting started in his first game back.

"Last night, in the first period, I felt a little tired," Bursich said. "Then, after that, I felt great the whole weekend -- no problems."

Bursich's return meant a reunion between him and fellow forward Alon Eizenman. The duo teamed up on two goals, getting the assists on the first goal of Saturday's game and Eizenman helping on Bursich's second goal in the same game.

"(It's) excellent," Eizenman said. "We practiced together this week and it's working real well."

Right now, everything seems to be working real well for the Icers, especially with Bursich back.