Story Summary
Brock Faber is back on the ice with the Minnesota Wild after recovering from a skull fracture sustained in a pre-season game against the Dallas Stars. The defenceman has practised with Minnesota for two consecutive days and is rebuilding his skating, fitness and strength after roughly a month without physical activity.
Faber was struck in the head by a shot during the second period of the Sept. 25 game. The puck hit the area around his ear that was not protected by his helmet. He completed the second period after initially feeling little discomfort, but did not return for the third and was later taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. A CT scan that night identified the fracture.
He underwent surgery on Sept. 27 and spent three days in hospital. Although Faber said he felt physically normal only days after the operation, he was required to remain inactive in order to heal. Now, with plastic ear guards added to his helmet, the 24-year-old is progressing towards his first appearance of the season. Minnesota have not set a return date.
Key Facts
- Brock Faber sustained a skull fracture after being hit in the head by a shot during the second period of Minnesota’s Sept. 25 pre-season game against the Dallas Stars.
- The puck struck Faber around the ear area that was not protected by his helmet.
- Faber remained in the game through the end of the second period but did not return for the third.
- A CT scan at Regions Hospital in St. Paul discovered the fracture later that night.
- Faber underwent surgery on Sept. 27 and spent three days in hospital.
- The Minnesota defenceman began working out again about a week before returning to practice and is rebuilding his conditioning after around a month off.
- Faber has added plastic ear guards to his helmet as he resumes skating and fitness work.
- Faber recorded 51 points, including 15 goals and 36 assists, in 80 games last season while averaging 24:41 of ice time for Minnesota.
IHM Discussion
The immediate encouraging development is that Faber is practising again, but Minnesota and the player are treating practice as part of a measured return rather than proof that he is ready to play. John Hynes said the focus is on a process in which Faber, the Wild strength staff and trainers are satisfied that he can perform at his normal level.
That distinction matters because Faber’s absence was not caused by a conventional lower-body problem that can be assessed mainly through skating speed or puck work. He had surgery after a skull fracture, and the player himself has been clear that feeling well did not remove the need to stop. His frustration came from feeling normal while being unable to train, particularly after preparing for the season through training camp.
Faber also understands how narrowly the shot found an exposed spot. He said a slightly lower impact may have meant an ear injury requiring stitches, while a higher one would have struck his helmet. Instead, a puck reached the small area between those possibilities. His assessment that the incident could have been much worse places the return to practice in an appropriately cautious light.
Minnesota have been able to win without him, posting an 11-3-3 record and leading the Central Division. Faber said that form gives him room to ensure he is fully ready rather than chasing an immediate return. His stated priority is to come back at 100 per cent and avoid returning early only for another issue to arise.
Why It Matters
Faber is not simply another option on Minnesota’s blue line. Last season, he was second on the Wild in average ice time at 24:41 per game while producing 51 points. That workload shows how regularly Minnesota relied on him in all parts of a game, and why a healthy return would be significant whenever he is cleared to make his debut.
For now, the relevant fact is not a projected date but the stage of the process: Faber is practising, rebuilding his physical base and travelling with the team. Minnesota’s strong start means there is no stated need to force the timeline. The club can continue to assess his conditioning and confidence while Faber works back from a serious injury.
His return also carries a practical equipment change. The plastic ear guards are a direct response to the unusual location of the impact. They do not change the original injury, but they are part of how Faber is approaching his return to regular hockey activity.
Mini Q&A
What injury did Brock Faber sustain?
Faber sustained a skull fracture when a shot struck the unprotected area around his ear during a pre-season game against Dallas.
Did Brock Faber require surgery?
Yes. Faber had surgery on Sept. 27 after a CT scan identified the fracture, and he then spent three days in hospital.
When will Brock Faber make his season debut?
Minnesota have not set a timetable for Faber’s season debut, although he is practising again and is expected to travel on the upcoming road trip.
How important was Faber to Minnesota last season?
Faber had 51 points in 80 games and ranked second on the Wild in average ice time at 24:41 per game.
Coach Mark Comment
The telling part of Faber’s account is that he felt well soon after surgery, yet still had to sit on the couch for four weeks while the season began without him. That can be a difficult stretch for a player accustomed to training every day, especially one who had carried 24:41 a night for Minnesota last season.
The Wild have not needed to rush the situation, and Faber has not tried to turn two practices into a declaration that he is ready for a game. The plastic ear guards are a small visible reminder of a very specific incident. The more meaningful sign is that he is allowing the conditioning work to catch up before asking his body to handle NHL pace again.
What Comes Next
Hynes said Faber is expected to travel on Minnesota’s three-game road trip, which begins at the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. His timetable for a season debut remains undetermined.
IHM Final View
Faber’s return to practice is an important step after a frightening and highly unusual pre-season injury, but it is only a step. He has resumed skating, has begun restoring the training base lost during his recovery and has the support of a Minnesota side that has played well in his absence. Until the Wild and Faber agree he is ready to perform as he normally can, there is no reason to attach a date to his return.