Hilbert is expecting to muscle way back

By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Globe Staff, 9/10/2003

WILMINGTON -- When the Bruins traded Jozef Stumpel back to the Kings in June, they knew they'd be in the hunt for a second-line center. One of the top candidates -- 22-year-old Andy Hilbert -- is eager to throw his hat into the ring, but it's going to be a while. Hilbert had hernia surgery during the summer and after healing, he pulled a groin muscle getting back in shape. Now, he's back on skates for short-term twirls, receiving treatment, and keeping his fingers crossed that it's only a small hurdle.

"It was unexpected, that's for sure," said Hilbert of his operation. "It's been getting a lot better lately so hopefully it will be ready to go. I don't know how it happened. I think it was a gradual thing, wear and tear. And then something set it off when I was working out."

Hilbert's groin injury was the result of muscles that were weakened after the hernia surgery. He's working on strengthening them now and plans to increase his workouts gradually. His objective is to land a regular spot on the Boston roster in his third year as a pro.

Last season at Providence, Hilbert finished third in team scoring with 35 goals and 70 points, and he picked up 119 penalty minutes in 64 games. In 14 contests with Boston, he had three assists. He'd like to parlay his scoring touch to the next level but first he has to get healthy.

"I've been skating slowly," he said. "I've been easing into it the last couple of weeks. I'm starting to push it a little bit more. Everything takes time for the muscles to start working together again."

Net help

The Bruins hired former NHL netminder Bob Essensa to serve as goaltending consultant. Essensa, who spent 14 years in the league and finished his career in 2002 with the Buffalo Sabres -- his sixth team -- will be based in Phoenix but will make periodic trips to Boston to work with the goaltenders in the NHL and AHL. Essensa, 38, played four years at Michigan State. He was drafted by Winnipeg with its fifth pick in 1983 (fourth round, No. 69 overall) and played five-plus seasons with the Jets. His career-best season was 1992-93, when he earned 33 victories . . . Rookie camp wraps up today at the Ristuccia Center. Practice is closed to the public. Veterans are required to report tomorrow morning for physicals as the first full day of camp begins . . . General sales of Bruins tickets will begin today at 11 a.m. through the FleetCenter box office, Ticketmaster, and BostonBruins.com. There are a limited number of tickets for Jan. 12, the night the team will honor Cam Neely. There is a maximum of two per purchase.