So there's a glimmer of hope that if it settles down, she might be able to play because this tiny crack is so forward.

I don't think we would limit her. If the swelling goes down and the function is there, she would be good to go for however much she would last and however much they would need her. ... There wouldn't be any limitations.

The reason why that is significant is because if it were any farther back, the femur would be sitting on it and putting a lot of pressure and she would have pain and we wouldn't be talking about (a possible return). But because it is in the anterior portion ... fibers from the ACL and meniscus are right over it protecting it.

I think we can definitely say we're looking at that this is the finals. It is a very important time. We're near the end. Obviously, we're doing everything we can to squeak out that little edge to be able to get her to play. But I think it is legitimate to say that this is a big enough injury that at different times in the year, you would handle it differently.

Fortunately, our current economy will offer lots of hope for these people. Companies are expanding throughout the state, and the Ada County unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 2.7 percent, which means area businesses are looking for good employees with transferable skills.

Life without hockey, I hope I don't have to face it for some time.