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BRANT JAMESDany Heatley says he has changed since teammate Dan Snyder died.
ATLANTA - The public physical and emotional rehabilitation of Dany Heatley took another tenuous step Friday when the Thrashers forward addressed media for the first time since the car he was driving crashed Sept.29, killing teammate Dan Snyder.
Heatley, the 2003 All-Star MVP, began skating Tuesday after surgery to repair torn knee ligaments and allowing a broken jaw to heal. As a player, he thinks he could return to normal as the right wing who has 67 goals and 89 assists in two NHL seasons. As a person, he sounded unsure.
"As a player I'd like to think I can be," said the 22-year-old, holding back tears during the crowded news conference at Philips Arena. "As a person, I don't think you'll ever be the same. It has changed me, and it will change me down the road. You have to go on and try to deal with things the best you can."
Police reports initially said Heatley was driving his Ferrari more than 80 mph down a narrow street in Atlanta's Buckhead district when he crashed into a wrought-iron fence. Snyder, 25, died six days later from head injuries. According to tests, Heatley had a blood-alcohol level of less than .015 percent, well below the .08 percent at which Georgia presumes someone is impaired. Snyder's family has been vocal in its assertion the crash was an accident. If prosecutors agree, charges of vehicular homicide could be dropped. If not, he could face three to 15 years in prison.
Heatley refused comment on particulars of the crash. Defense attorney Ed Garland said he expects separate prosecution and defense investigations to conclude within 45 days.
"There are also factual sources coming in that bear upon the fact that this was an accident," Garland said.
The pace of Heatley's physical rehab - practicing with the team by February and playing within 2-3 months - would keep him out most or all of this season.
The pace of litigation also could be a factor. "What the court does and that entire process can supersede anything," Garland said. "However, we are hopeful there is not a conflict."
Heatley will continue to skate alone and work out with the Thrashers in the short-term.
"This is another step in the process," general manager Don Waddell said. "It's time for him to get on the ice. We're all excited to see him on the ice because that's what he does for a living."
On the ice is the easy part, even with the soreness and the fatigue.
"Every time I go to sleep I think of Danny," Heatley said. "It's something I'll think about the rest of my life."