Canucks' Hamhuis returns to the ice for 1st time since groin injury

The Vancouver Canucks have been struggling as of late, and the absence of dependable shutdown defender Dan Hamhuis has been sorely felt during the club's five-game losing streak. 

On Saturday, the club got a ray of light in regards to Hamhuis' situation. The 31-year-old defenseman took to the ice for the first time since sustaining a freak groin injury on a non-contact play in late November.

Hamhuis took part in an optional skate in Calgary on Saturday - though he skated without equipment and was accompanied by physiotherapist Rick Celebrini, reports Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun. 

It's expected that Hamhuis will miss at least three more weeks as a result of the injury, but at least it  seems that he's making some progress.