LaSalle, ON - It was a night Eric Kirby wasn't sure was ever going to happen.

"There were a lot of times I didn't even think I'd get to play again, besides pick-up hockey." Kirby admitted after the Vipers 3-2 win over Strathroy on Wednesday night.

After missing the first 43 games of the season, the Vipers alternate captain took the ice for the first time after an off-season injury.

"It was good to get back out there and start getting into game shape," Kirby said. "I don't think my smile came off my face once."

Kirby has worked out with the team throughout the year and once he was ready, skated with the team during practices.

The work outs got more intense, as did the on-ice work, and finally, Kirby was cleared for game play.

"It was great to see Eric back," Head Coach/GM Bill Bowler stated. "I thought he played real well and we only expect him to get better when he gets his timing back. He's going to be a real boost to this hockey club."

The road to recovery has been a long one for the Windsor native, Kirby mentioning there was a time he was trying to walk around for 15 minutes without needing a 3 hour nap afterwards.

Now, his focus is getting back up to peak condition for what he hopes will be a long playoff run.

"The first few shifts obviously the nerves were there," Kirby laughs. "The timing is still off so I have to work on that, but I definitely think I'll be at full strength for the playoffs."

There is still plenty of work to be done, but for one night, Kirby was able to suit up and join his teammates on that familiar bench on a Wednesday night at the Vollmer.

"Even getting out there for one shift today meant a lot," Kirby says. "It's been a crazy rollercoaster and it's amazing what the human body is capable of."