Injuries

I caught the end of a Mike Eaves press conference on 1310 WIBA here in Madison, and Brendan Smith will definately not be skating w/ the Badgers this weekend in Anchorage. Based on rumors over on buckyville, Smith had his wrist in a cast at the Skate w/ the Badgers and it was rumored that he will be out at least 4 weeks. Wait to see if this is true or not, but either way, that is a blow to the team even in the short term. While Smith still makes errors on defense, he is much improved, and his offensive skills on the ice is top notch. Heal up quick Brendan.

Luckily Ryan McDonagh and Cody Goloubef will be back this coming weekend; they will be joining the team directly in Alaska, and practicing w/ the team later in the week.

No word yet on Patrick Johnson's injury status. I was told he hoped to play against Anchorage, but that he might not see the lineup again until Colorado College. Patrick is a key component to the team. While he doesn't regularly light up the score sheet, the energy he brings to each shift and on the bench is missed. Whether the team is up by 3 goals or down by 3, he gives it his all every shift, setting the bar high for his teammates to follow.

While it certainly is no excuse, the injury bug has really hit the Badgers all season. It started w/ Ben Street being out likely for the whole season, but there have been a rash of minor injuries that have kept several players out of the lineup for at least a game including Aaron Bendickson, Ben Grotting, Jake Gardiner, Johnson and Blake Geoffrion. McDonagh had some knee issues too, and now Smith will be out for at least a few games.