Another zebra is down, injured in the dangerous wilderness that is NHL training camp.
Linesman Derek Nansen is the latest to be felled. The veteran linesman, 44, suffered a torn ACL which will see him sideline for the start of the season – if not the entire 2016-17 campaign.
Nansen, from Ottawa, Ontario, is entering his 13th season in the National Hockey League. He’s officiated 912 regular season games. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait a bit longer to reach the 1,000-game milestone.
There’s no timetable on Nansen’s return though an ACL tear typically requires surgery and up to six months or more of rehabilitation.
NHL officials began their annual training camp in Buffalo, New York on Monday. The camp roster includes seven new officials – five referees and two linesmen – along with six who were promoted to full-time for the upcoming season. With Nansen and referee Chris Rooney, who injured his achilles tendon, out for an extended duration, the pressure will be on for the league’s new recruits to step up.
That’s a lot of new faces calling the game, protecting the players. Has to be a concern for NHL.. And Head Official Stephen Walkom
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) September 15, 2016
Our best to Nansen on a quick recovery.
