Former Maine defenseman Doug Janik returns to league leading Amerks
lineup tonight.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050325/SPORTS02/503250381/1007/SPORTS

When Doug Janik woke up last Friday morning, his first thought had to
have been, "What science fiction movie am I starring in?"
But since he's a hockey player and not an actor, he knew he needed
another explanation for the bizarre state his body was in.
His next thought: "Maybe I'm still asleep and this is just a nightmare."
Ah, if that were only true. The Rochester Americans defenseman knew,
however, he was wide awake.
Thus, just one thing left to think: Yikes! Somebody, help!
His hands and feet swollen and much of his body covered with red, itchy
patches, Janik bypassed the wake-me-up orange juice and coffee and
immediately phoned Rochester Americans trainer Kent Weisbeck.
"I was covered in blotches and rashes," Janik said. "It wasn't a pretty
sight."
More unnerving than just the strange look was the cause. He had no idea
what turned him into a freak show.
"I don't have any allergies so that's what scared me at first," Janik
said. "I had no idea what it could have been."
A week later, doctors don't either. They suspect he may indeed be
allergic to something.
"But the only way to find out is to subject me to the few things they
think it might have been," Janik said, "and see if it brings it back
again."
No thanks.
Thus, instead of worrying about the cause, Janik is thankful his body is
returning to normal and he'll be returning to the ice.
After sitting out three games last weekend, Janik will be on the blue
line when the Amerks try to add to their AHL-best point total. They play
the Hershey Bears at 7:35 tonight at Blue Cross Arena at the War
Memorial.
"It's unfortunate I missed three games in a row; that's more games than
I've missed in my whole career here," the fourth-year veteran said. "I
tried it in warmups on Friday but my feet were so swollen my skates
barely fit."
Just like Janik to attempt to play even when common sense screamed no.
"I had to basically say absolutely not," coach Randy Cunneyworth said.
"He said, 'I don't feel great but I can give it a go.' It wasn't worth
the risk. At that point, we didn't even know what it was."
They still don't. And while he has made a vast improvement, his
teammates won't let him forget the creature-from-the-black-lagoon look.
"I wouldn't go near him without a mask and gloves," defense partner Jeff
Jillson warned Thursday.
Perhaps this odd ailment can work to Janik's advantage, though. Hey,
what opponent wants to catch it. He'll have all the space he wants. And
those after-the-whistle face washes with the glove. Deadly.
"The one thing they were able to tell me is it's not contagious," Janik
said.
His play, however, can be. There are more gifted players on the defense
but no one works harder.
"The leadership he brings is second to none and that's a very
well-rounded game he brings night after night," Cunneyworth said.