Gabe Landeskog, the 32-year-old captain of the Colorado Avalanche, has made a remarkable comeback after facing significant challenges in his recovery from a knee injury. Dr. Matthew Jordan, a kinesiology professor and lead researcher in muscle strength and power, highlighted Landeskog’s struggles as he attempted to return to the ice, noting the mental toll it took on him. “He had made a couple of attempts to get back on the ice, but both times were hampered by flare-ups in his knee,” Jordan explained.
Landeskog connected with Dr. Jordan and strength and conditioning coach Marcin Goszczynski through a shared background at the University of Calgary. Their collaboration began early in 2024 when Landeskog sought a tailored rehabilitation plan. Over several visits to Calgary, they focused on advanced technology that would be pivotal to his recovery process.
The rehabilitation journey was fraught with uncertainty. Landeskog shared his own fears about potentially having to end his hockey career, reflecting on the emotional weight of such a consideration. “There are days when you wonder if you’re done playing this game,” he admitted. Nevertheless, he remained resilient and was determined not to give up.
A cutting-edge insole developed by Jordan’s Vancouver-based company, Plantiga, became instrumental in Landeskog’s rehabilitation. The insoles contain sensors to measure biomechanics, which monitored Landeskog’s movement patterns not just during training sessions but also in everyday activities. The data helped flag any potential issues, allowing him to preemptively adjust his training. Jordan described this proactive approach as akin to “putting out a fire while it’s still a wisp of smoke.”
Landeskog grew to trust the data provided by the insoles, using it to balance his desire to push forward with the need to listen to his body’s signals. “The data was good sometimes to pull in the reins a little bit,” he explained. This careful management of his recovery culminated in his return to the NHL in a playoff game against the Dallas Stars, where he made a triumphant entrance, bringing joy to his family and fans alike.
Although the Avalanche’s playoff run ended in disappointment, Landeskog viewed his return as a significant victory in his journey. He has continued to play an essential role with the team this season, averaging nearly 14 minutes per game and using the insights from his insoles to refine his performance.
Landeskog emphasized the critical importance of this technology, stating that it will likely serve as a significant asset for teams across various sports in managing athlete recovery and performance moving forward. The successful application of this innovative approach showcases the evolving intersection of sports, technology, and rehabilitation, offering hope to athletes facing similar challenges in their careers.