Post by dogcatcher on Oct 30, 2007 6:39:26 GMT -4
Sea Dogs lose key defenceman
Injury Back spasms likely to keep David Stich out of lineup against Lewiston at home tonight
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Tuesday October 30th, 2007
Appeared on page B6
SAINT JOHN - Just as the Saint John Sea Dogs prepare to welcome back one of their players, it looks as though another will be on the injured list.
Defenceman David Stich left Saturday's 6-5 shootout win over the St. John's Fog Devils with a back injury and it's uncertain if he will be ready for tonight's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game at Harbour Station against the Lewiston Maineiacs at 7 p.m.
Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu said Stich is suffering from back spasms and there's a 20 per cent chance he'll be in the lineup.
"He can hardly walk, so I don't think he can play," Beaulieu said.
The rugged rearguard has six points this season and is a plus-4. The team will wait to make a decision on whether rookie Scott McDonald will suit up in Stich's absence.
"It may be a case where we go with five defenceman (tonight) and if Stich can't go on the weekend then McDonald will play for sure."
The good news on the injury front is that forward Ryan Sparling is inching closer to a return. The third-year forward participated in a full-contact practice Monday and the team will decide today if he'll play.
Sparling injured his shoulder Oct. 6 against the Quebec Remparts and has missed the last seven games, the longest time on the injured list in his QMJHL career.
"It's the worst feeling I've ever had playing hockey and I don't like it," said Sparling on being one of the walking wounded. "It's tough just sitting there watching the boys play when you think you could be out there helping or just sitting on the bench talking."
However, he said he's taken big steps in his recovery over the past few days.
"I feel pretty good right now and I want to play, but it's up to me," the Sydney, N.S., native said.
He's been working with athletic therapist Jeff Kelly to get back in the lineup and keep his fitness level up while not skating.
"(Jeff Kelly) has some pretty crazy bike rides he's had me do," Sparling said. "I'm sick of the bike and I don't think I'll get on one for the rest of the year."
No matter who's in or out of the lineup tonight, the Sea Dogs will try and duplicate their last two outings against the Maineiacs - 6-1 and 3-1 victories.
Injury Back spasms likely to keep David Stich out of lineup against Lewiston at home tonight
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Tuesday October 30th, 2007
Appeared on page B6
SAINT JOHN - Just as the Saint John Sea Dogs prepare to welcome back one of their players, it looks as though another will be on the injured list.
Defenceman David Stich left Saturday's 6-5 shootout win over the St. John's Fog Devils with a back injury and it's uncertain if he will be ready for tonight's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game at Harbour Station against the Lewiston Maineiacs at 7 p.m.
Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu said Stich is suffering from back spasms and there's a 20 per cent chance he'll be in the lineup.
"He can hardly walk, so I don't think he can play," Beaulieu said.
The rugged rearguard has six points this season and is a plus-4. The team will wait to make a decision on whether rookie Scott McDonald will suit up in Stich's absence.
"It may be a case where we go with five defenceman (tonight) and if Stich can't go on the weekend then McDonald will play for sure."
The good news on the injury front is that forward Ryan Sparling is inching closer to a return. The third-year forward participated in a full-contact practice Monday and the team will decide today if he'll play.
Sparling injured his shoulder Oct. 6 against the Quebec Remparts and has missed the last seven games, the longest time on the injured list in his QMJHL career.
"It's the worst feeling I've ever had playing hockey and I don't like it," said Sparling on being one of the walking wounded. "It's tough just sitting there watching the boys play when you think you could be out there helping or just sitting on the bench talking."
However, he said he's taken big steps in his recovery over the past few days.
"I feel pretty good right now and I want to play, but it's up to me," the Sydney, N.S., native said.
He's been working with athletic therapist Jeff Kelly to get back in the lineup and keep his fitness level up while not skating.
"(Jeff Kelly) has some pretty crazy bike rides he's had me do," Sparling said. "I'm sick of the bike and I don't think I'll get on one for the rest of the year."
No matter who's in or out of the lineup tonight, the Sea Dogs will try and duplicate their last two outings against the Maineiacs - 6-1 and 3-1 victories.
