Darren Helm returned to the Avalanche lineup Thursday in the team’s first game back from the All-Star break after spending time with family in Colorado ski country.
Helm, nearing the end of a month-long game absence with a lower-body injury, didn’t take any risks with his health on the mountain.
“The kids did some skiing. The wife did some snowboarding. I was just kind of hanging around and watching,” Helm said. “I’ve never skied in my life. So, don’t worry, I wasn’t trying.”
The Avalanche are thankful for Helm’s veteran presence as the team embarks on its more challenging stretch of the season against quality opponents, starting with the defending two-time champion Lightning on Thursday night.