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Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec will practice this week, may play again soon

Ondrej Pavelec

FILE - This Sept. 21, 2010, file photo shows Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec reacting after the Columbus Blue Jackets scored a goal during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game, in Atlanta. Pavelec collapsed to the ice in the early minutes of the season-opening game against the Washington Capitals, Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 in Atlanta. There was a whistle at the opposite end of the ice when the 23-year-old Pavelec suddenly fell over backward with no one around. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

AP

Finally there’s more good news for ailing Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec. After Pavelec’s scary fainting spell during the Thrashers first game of the season and subsequent concussion from his fall, he’s been off the ice and not playing as he recovers. Now, according to the Blueland Blog, he’s been medically cleared to start practicing so long as he passes his post-concussion test.

While the mystery continues to swirl around why, exactly, Pavelec fainted it’s great to see that he’ll be able to get back out on the ice. The guy that’s most thankful for his return could be fellow goalie Chris Mason. Mason carried the load for Atlanta while Pavelec was out and he did rather well in his stead going 3-2-0 with a .915 save percentage and a 3.00 goals against. While the goals against average is a bit high, keep in mind that’s only a sampling of five games. Pavelec was being counted on to split time with Mason this season and keep things fresh. His eventual return can only mean good things for Atlanta.