DENVER -- Wearing a brace from his chin to his chest, Steve Moore walked into a news conference Monday and said he doesn't remember the hit that knocked him out for the season -- and might have ended his NHL career.
The Colorado Avalanche forward wore a broad smile while speaking to the media for the first time since Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi sucker-punched him during a game March 8.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to be here today, to be able to walk in here," the 25-year-old Moore said before Colorado played Los Angeles. "I don't know whether I'll be able to play again, but I remain optimistic. I'm more fortunate just to be alive and to take one day at a time."
Bertuzzi's hit left Moore with two broken vertebrae, a concussion and cuts on his face. He doesn't recall being punched or remember the 20 minutes before or after he was struck.
Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the season and playoffs, and Vancouver police are looking into assault charges against him.
Moore said he hasn't spoken to Bertuzzi and avoided questions about his punishment, that could extend into next season.
"I think that type of stuff doesn't have any place in the game," he said of Bertuzzi's attack. "We have a tremendous game, this game of hockey, and I think this incident has made the image of this game suffer. That's unfortunate, and I sincerely hope nothing like this ever happens again."
Bertuzzi must apply to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for reinstatement before he can play again.
