via Michael of Russo's Rants,

Bryan Bickell is playing his first NHL game since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November. He was recalled from the Charlotte Checkers, which coincidentally is where Josh Harding’s career ended after a setback playing for Iowa.

“We didn’t know when this day was going to come, but I’m happy to be here, happy to be in Minnesota,” Bickell said. “I’ve contacted Josh [Harding] this is where he had is so hopefully I see him tonight and cross some paths and talk about some things.”

I texted with Harding and he’s not positive he can come yet because he didn’t know Bickell would be playing.

“Would love to be there to support him and show my respect to him,” Harding said. “It’s a heck of a battle dealing with what he’s dealing with and I respect the heck out of him for batting through that.”

Bickell said, “Definitely the family helped me get through this moment with the goods and the bads and the rough patches here and there. To get some words of wisdom from a guy that’s been through it definitely helped I know a lot of people reached out through these months to know this day was going to come so I’m happy to be here against the Wild, I’ve scored a couple goals against these guys in the past and hopefully I’ll get one tonight.”

Bickell said Harding shared, “Just things that physically he went through, obviously the treatments. … I know with MS you need to keep cool, and that was a big thing for him. He was a goalie. He had to stand up the whole time. I get breaks. I get to sit on the bench. But it’s nice to reach out to him and get some thoughts off of what he’s been through. Hopefully he can be here tonight, and to meet him for the first time, it would be real special.”