Calgary Professor and Canadian Tech Revitalize Avalanche’s Landeskog for Return
The journey of Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog highlights the intersection of sports medicine and cutting-edge technology. Facing significant challenges due to a knee injury, Landeskog sought help from experts at the University of Calgary to begin his path to recovery.
Gabriel Landeskog’s Knee Injury and Rehabilitation
In June 2022, Landeskog celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with the Avalanche. However, his joy was overshadowed by ongoing knee issues. He underwent cartilage replacement surgery in the spring of 2023, marking his fourth surgery since a serious injury during the 2020 playoff bubble in Edmonton.
Over the next year, Landeskog’s rehabilitation proved to be a challenging journey. Dr. Matthew Jordan, assistant kinesiology professor and lead researcher at the Integrative Neuromuscular Sport Performance Lab at the University of Calgary, noted the numerous setbacks Landeskog faced.
Collaboration and Innovations in Rehabilitation
Landeskog connected with Dr. Jordan through Marcin Goszczynski, a strength and conditioning coach and massage therapist who worked with elite athletes. They met several times in Calgary, beginning in early 2024, to discuss rehabilitation strategies for Landeskog’s recovery.
Landeskog shared his concerns: “There are days when you wonder if you’re done playing this game,” he stated. His determination remained strong, despite challenges. “I didn’t know what the ending was going to look like. I was stubborn and not giving up,” he added.
Technological Advancements in Recovery
The rehabilitation process incorporated innovative technology developed by Dr. Jordan. He serves as a scientific adviser for Plantiga, a Vancouver-based company that created a specialized insole. These insoles contained sensors that monitored Landeskog’s biomechanics, alerting him to potential setbacks.
- Microchips in the insoles detected changes in his gait.
- Data was uploaded to the cloud for monitoring.
- Real-time feedback helped manage training loads and recovery.
As Landeskog adjusted to this technology, he stated, “The sensors have been instrumental… We can see patterns and asymmetries before things even start bothering me.” This proactive approach allowed him not only to train effectively but also to avoid further injury.
Return to the Ice
Landeskog participated in American Hockey League games to test his knee. He made his NHL return during Colorado’s playoff opener against the Dallas Stars in the spring of 2024. Dr. Jordan was present to witness the emotional moment as Landeskog stepped back onto the ice.
Despite the Avalanche’s elimination in the playoffs, Landeskog’s return was a significant personal victory. “He looked great out there,” Dr. Jordan recalled, expressing gratitude for the positive outcome of their collaborative efforts.
Looking Ahead
This season, Landeskog has averaged nearly 14 minutes of ice time per game. He continues to rely on the data from his insoles, stating, “They are the lifesaver for my training and rehab.” The technology used in his rehabilitation illustrates the future of sports recovery, showcasing how innovation can play a crucial role in an athlete’s return to form.
