Alex Pietrangelo is back in action after his daughter’s sickness
As we were reminded Saturday, some things are greater than hockey.
Golden Knights After being away from the team last Wednesday to care for Evelyn, his four-year old daughter, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo returned on Saturday to practice.
Pietrangelo explained to reporters that Evelyn had contracted encephalitis from the flu. This caused her to lose her motor skills. She was unable to walk, eat and even open her eyes for five consecutive days.
Evelyn is now doing well after receiving treatment for a week.
Pietrangelo explained, “I don’t want it to be a surprise but that progressed faster than I guess the initial diagnosis.” They can’t give you a timeline when your precious little girl will get better. It’s very scary for Dad and Mom. I told them I wouldn’t return to work until I felt comfortable with her home.
Pietrangelo spent much of the past week and half at Sunrise Hospital Las Vegas, where his daughter was cared for.
“A lot of hours (at the hospital),” Pietrangelo said. “It’s not exactly around the corner from here, so a lot of up and down. It was a difficult balance between working late and getting up early. I also have three kids. It was difficult to make time for my three children and still take care of my little girl. Rotating nights and days with my wife at the hospital. Those were long and emotional days.”
Evelyn was released from the hospital on Wednesday and she began walking around the house in less than two days.
Pietrangelo explained that “We thought this could be months down in the future.”[Friday]She just kept going for the whole day, walking in circles. Our prayers were answered by God. It’s amazing how far she has come in just 48 hours.
Evelyn is still in rehabilitation, despite the good news that came after a difficult few days. The family has been assured by doctors that Evelyn will fully recover.
The Pietrangelo family shared a sweet moment before the defenseman returned to action against Saturday night. New York Islanders.
Pietrangelo was not available for Vegas’ last nine games in which Vegas went 6-3. The 32-yearold has been hot this season, scoring 21 points in 23 games. This is the second highest score among Golden Knights defensemen. Shea Theodore‘s 22 points. Theodore is currently recovering from a lower body injury.
More on Sports