The Red Deer Rebels organization breathed a collective — and massive — sigh of relief on Monday.
While star forward Landon Ferraro was walking with a slight limp, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test conducted on his right knee earlier in the day showed no structural damage.
“It’s a little sore but it just looks like there’s a bit of bruising on the knee,” said Ferraro, who was cross-checked into the boards by Kootenay Ice centre Dustin Sylvester during the second period of Red Deer’s 7-1 win on Saturday at the Centrium.
“I’ll just get some treatment on it and I’ll be back skating pretty quickly,” the 18-year-old predicted.
“The doctor said I can play when I get back to full strength and can skate without pain.
“Unless something else happens I don’t see why I won’t be in the lineup on Friday (versus the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes).”
Ferraro was surprised that Sylvester, who was penalized for two minutes following the incident, was the offender.
“It was a little disappointing considering he’s someone who has had injury problems,” said Ferraro.
“But it happened. My leg twisted the wrong way and I’m lucky that nothing more serious happened.
“I know I was relieved this morning.
“It’s always good news when the doctor tells you that you’re basically good to go.
“I’ll keep icing it and take a few treatments and get back as soon as I can.”
The Rebels were up 4-1 when Ferraro left the game, then sniped three third-period goals to seal the deal and help atone for Friday’s 6-2 season-opening loss to the visiting Calgary Hitmen.
“We were really good on the forecheck (against the Ice) and kept them to something like six shots through the first half of the game,” said Ferraro.
“We have to make sure we continue to play that way. We played very well on Saturday and it was good to hear the fans really get into it.
“Everyone is pretty happy and we just have to make sure we keep rolling through this next weekend.”
l Rebels forward Willie Coetzee likely has at least a little extra cash at his disposal after signing a free-agent, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Coetzee was invited to the Wings rookie camp after being passed over in this year’s NHL entry draft, and obviously impressed the Detroit coaches.
“Being a free agent, I had a better chance of getting a contract,” said the 18-year-old, who — unlike Red Wings draft pick Ferraro — was eligible to sign with any team. “I was a little surprised it happened so soon, although I thought I had a good camp.”
Coetzee would not reveal any financial details, but the deal is for three years and likely includes a signing bonus.
l Calgary forward Tyler Fiddler is the first WHL player of the week for the 2009-10 season after picking up five points in two Hitmen victories.
Fiddler fired three goals in Friday’s 6-2 win at Red Deer and scored once and adding a single helper in a 4-2 win over the host Edmonton Oil Kings 24 hours later. He also managed a plus-three rating during the weekend.
The WHL has also nominated Ian Curtis of the Portland Winterhawks for the CHL goaltender of the week award. Curtis stopped all 24 shots he faced as the Winterhawks downed the host Seattle Thunderbirds 5-0 on Saturday.
gmeachem@www.reddeeradvocate.com