What happened to Blackhawks Jonathan Toews?
CHICAGO Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews revealed the reason that he didn't play in the NHL 2020-21 season. In a video announcing his return to the team, the 33-year-old captain gave fans insight into his departure. On June 29, 2021, Toews released a video explaining to fans that he took time away from hockey due to health concerns. He claimed in early December that he was experiencing symptoms that were leaving him drained and lethargic. This prompted him to miss entire 56-game regular season, which saw Chicago go 24-25-7, finishing in fifth place in the realigned Central Division. "Honestly, I haven't taken this much time off the ice probably ever, since I was a kid at least, so it's definitely nice to be back in Chicago, see some of the guys again, and slowly and surely settle into the life and routine again," he explained in the video. In the clip, he acknowledged that he hadn't been forthcoming with fans about his illness to begin with. "I just think it's a lot of things that just piled up, where my body just fell apart. What they're calling it was chronic immune response syndrome, where I couldn't quite recover. My immune system was reacting to everything that I did, any kind of stress, anything that I would do through the day, just there was always kind of that stress response," he said. "It took some time and that was the frustrating part, was not knowing when or how we were going to get over the hump. But thankfully I have a great support team of people that helped me through it and learn about the stress I put on my body during the years." Toews thank his teammates and fans for their ongoing support, as well as general manager Stan Bowman, coach Jeremy Colliton and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz. 2 Jonathan Toewws of the Chicago Blackhawks tangles with Luke Schenn of the Arizona Coyotes Credit: Getty Images - Getty  "You talk about the things that you appreciate and the things you maybe take for granted, but I think the No. 1 thing is I've had so many people across the hockey world that have shown their support. And I think that's the biggest thing: You realize there's more to life than hockey," he said. "But I'm excited to get back to the United Center and play and just go out there and play and have fun. And I think my best is going to come through, and I'm excited to get back in front of the fans." Blackhawk fans were wholeheartedly supportive of the hockey captain on social media. I know one kid who will be really happy to see and hear of this update! Glad to hear you took the time to recover really hope we can catch a game with you on the bench soon! pic.twitter.com/zmXUGZNueF  Steph Skretkowski (@stephskret) June 30, 2021  "I know one kid who will be really happy to see and hear of this update! Glad to hear you took the time to recover really hope we can catch a game with you on the bench soon!" one user wrote of their son. "So good to see you back on the ice, @JonathanToews!!!! Glad youre on the mend, glad you took care of yourself. We all cant wait to see you in action again!" another fan said. One Blackhawks supporter reiterated that: "You dont owe us anything. Wishing you all the best in your recovery and hopefully a successful 21-22' season." "Glad to see you back and healthy! The game wasn't the same without you," a fan Tweeted. "So happy for @JonathanToews that he's doing better & he's back. His health was of the utmost importance here. While I missed him greatly this season, I'd have missed him more if he wouldn't have come back. He's got a lot of great hockey left in him to play!! #JohnnyBeGood."