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Orpik: First days after Thornton attack were ‘miserable’

BrooksOrpik

Brooks Orpik met with the media on Friday -- following his first practice since the Shawn Thornton incident -- and gave updates on his concussion recovery.

“First two, three days were miserable,” he said, as per the Pens’ Twitter feed. “Headaches. [But] since the incident, there has been no memory loss.”

Orpik, who suffered a concussion after Thornton slew-footed him to the ice before punching him in the head, said he has passed baseline tests and absorbed some contact in practice.

“Got through that and feel good today,” he said. “Going from there.”

The 33-year-old also told reporters that -- while he hasn’t watched video of the incident and has no desire to -- he did speak with Thornton following the attack:

Orpik said he spoke to Thornton night of the incident and next day. Said Thornton was “really apologetic” and regretful #Pens

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 20, 2013


Orpik said Thornton contacted him and was pretty apologetic. Orpik described him as a pretty good friend.

— Seth Rorabaugh (@emptynetters) December 20, 2013


There does not appear to be any timetable for Orpik’s return to action though, judging by the fact he’s taking some contact in practice, he shouldn’t be far away. Pittsburgh next players on Saturday against Calgary, then begins a four-game road swing on Monday in Ottawa, followed by games in Carolina (Friday, Dec. 27), Columbus (Sunday, Dec. 29) and New Jersey (Tuesday, Dec. 31).

As for Thornton, he is appealing his 15-game suspension, of which he’s already served six games.