After a long recovery - Sierre's Samuel Houde almost ready for a comeback

Nearly a year after a horrific on-ice accident that nearly cost him the use of his hand, Samuel Houde is finally back to full health and practicing with HC Sierre. The deep skate cut that severed arteries and nerves forced him into months of surgery and rehabilitation, but the Canadian has returned to Valais feeling 90–95% physically recovered.

With HC Sierre enjoying a strong season at the top of the Swiss League, Houde understands that returning to game action will take patience, and he is ready to seize his opportunity when it comes: “The situation is what it is. It's a pity for me, but I can't see myself taking the place of one of the other two foreigners when the team is winning. As long as HC Sierre wins, I'm happy. In any case, I'm enjoying this experience of living in Switzerland with guys who are all nice to me.”

With his contract running until the end of the season, Houde remains realistic but hopeful about what comes next. “Personally, I’d like to stay — Sierre is my priority,” he says, adding that he hopes to earn ice time before the season ends: “I just want the chance to show myself.”