01:00 AM EST on Thursday, February 23, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PROVIDENCE -- The Providence Bruins conducted their usual game-day skate at the Dunkin' Donuts Center yesterday, but it was obvious there was something different about the quick morning twirl.

Wearing a defensemen's black practice sweater and completely enjoying the workout was the P-Bruins' Chris Dyment. The 25-year-old Reading, Mass., native was injured during an off-ice incident in the early-morning hours on Jan. 1, when he was hit in the face by a beer bottle and needed emergency surgery.

At the time, doctors thought his career was over. Fortunately his vision was not affected and Dyment finally returned to practice on Tuesday.

"There is an intangible that he brings and you notice it when he's not out there," said Providence assistant coach Rob Murray. "He's probably the liveliest guy on the team. He's always laughing, making fun and jabbing with guys, and maybe we don't have enough of that. We missed it, and it's really nice to have him back out there."

Even though he practiced with the team on Tuesday, yesterday was Dyment's first real test with his legs and lungs. After the skate, Murray kept Dyment on the ice and worked him hard.

"You can tell [he's out of shape,]" said Murray. "Hopefully, it doesn't take him long to get it back, but it's great to see him back out there."

Dyment has three goals and five assists in 21 games for Providence this season, and could be back in the lineup in a few weeks.

Walter on hold

P-Bruins rookie Ben Walter missed his fourth consecutive game last night, and he could need surgery to repair the damage to his knee. The 21-year-old forward was injured on Feb. 11 against Manchester, and the initial MRI did not show any damage. When the swelling went down, however, it was a different story. Now it's a wait-and-see scenario. In the meantime, he's been able to ride the stationary bike and do some light skating. In 38 games, he has 10 goals and 17 assists, while sporting a plus-1 rating.

Awe gets his shot

With defensemen Jonathan Sigalet (concussion) and Michael Schutte (serving a game misconduct) out of the lineup, the P-Bruins signed Joe Awe to a tryout agreement. Awe, 25, played four seasons at Northeastern (2001-2005) and was playing for Gwinnett (ECHL) when Providence summoned him.

Welcome back

Former Rhode Island Reds defenseman Nick Polano and forward Serge Boudreault attended last night's game. Polano, who starred for the Reds for four seasons (1969-1973) is a scout for the Ottawa Senators. Boudreault (1961-1968) posted 135 points in 279 career games for the Reds. He is scouting for Anaheim.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340