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Clarke MacArthur was holding back tears moments after returning to the Ottawa Senators lineup in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

“It was emotional and you just try to keep it in check,” said MacArthur, playing his first game since Oct. 2015, after overcoming a series of seemingly endless roadblocks in his recovery from concussions. “I just wanted to go about my business and it was a big game and a lot going on. It was great to get the win.”

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Before Tuesday, MacArthur hadn’t played an NHL game since leaving the ice with a concussion in Columbus on Oct. 14, 2015. It was also his first game-like experience since suffering a concussion when hit hard by Senators prospect Patrick Sieloff during the club’s first intrasquad session last September.

MacArthur says he was bolstered by the support of his Senators teammates.

“Everyone is excited,” he said. “Everyone has seen what has gone on in the past couple of years. It’s just great to be back, to be back playing. I wanted to play and the hurdles to get over everything and our staff and the whole medical thing … a delicate situation that you have to cross all the T’s. I was very thankful for the organization to give me another chance again.”