Your post brought up and interesting question, one that I did some
internet research on.

It appears from the article that an ACL reconstruction from a
hamstring appears to be weaker than from the patella. This is, of
course, one article and due to the relative newness of the hamstring
procedure, I would certainly take this with a grain of salt and wait
for more studied and data.

I am two years out from an ACL reconstruction on my left knee due to
a skiing accident. Seven months after surgery I was back on the
slopes again, though I admit I was very caution (using a flexible
knee brace) and skiing the "bunny slopes". Last year, I hit
the "moderate" ability slopes, still wearing the knee brace. I was
very diligent about physical therapy and continued that routine by
going to the gym. This year, I intend to attempt black diamond
(difficult) slopes, returning to my ability before the accident.
Note, it will have taken 3 seasons to "get back" the level I was at,
although, I will probably still avoid the very tough and steep
slopes (double black diamond). I figure I can have just as much fun
skiing on black diamonds and intermediate slopes rather than stress
out at the risk of injuring myself on a tougher slope.

The bottom line is if you want to play hockey again, you will be
able to BUT it is going to take a lot of work on your part, strength
training and maintenance, to build up the muscle strength for that
knee. The muscle strength in turn should add more protection to that
knee.


http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/acl-reconstruction-
surgery.html