When the Avalanche opened training camp Friday, veteran winger Steve Konowalchuk wasn’t on the ice because results from his routine EKG test Thursday raised the issue of whether he might have a heart problem.
Konowalchuk, 33, is scheduled to undergo further tests. The severity of the condition is not known, and his return to the team is on hold.
Avs trainer Matt Sokolowski said Friday the EKG “revealed an abnormality and further examination is required … to determine the exact nature of his condition.”
The team was practicing Friday morning at South Suburban Family Sports Center in Englewood.
Konowalchuk, a Utah native, joined the team in October 2003 after 12 seasons in the Washington Capitals organization.
He missed the final 61 games last season because of a wrist injury, but had 19 goals and 39 points in 76 games in the 2003-04 season before the lockout canceled the 2004-05 season.
“We need more information, and he’ll get further test over the next few days,” Avs coach Joel Quenneville said after Friday’s morning practice. “We’re hopeful that everything’s going to be fine. There’s concern. There are questions, but it’s tough right now because we don’t know enough.”
Veteran defenseman Ossi Vaananen also missed Friday’s first workout because he was sent home after becoming ill.
