Shawn Thornton of the Boston Bruins knows he has a few adjustments to make as the NHL gears up to start an abbreviated season.
He told NESN's Naoko Funayama that he was in the best shape he's ever been, except in terms of in-game action since he never went to play in Europe. Over the coming days, he'll also need to get used to performing the more physical duties that come with his role on the team.
"I haven't been punched in the face in nine months," he said with a laugh. "[But] on the other side, my hands have never felt so good, either."
He first got the news of the lockout's end from teammate Andrew Ference in the early morning hours of Jan. 6. His first reaction was one of relief--and his second was of impatience.
"Thank God, about time, let's get back to work," he said.
He also said that, from what he knew and saw, the NHL players' union stayed united in solidarity and he never saw any cracks or divisions among the membership. In his view, the deal they got is a pretty fair one.
He's already back on the ice, practicing with teammates--including Ference--at Boston University's Agganis Arena on Jan. 7.
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