Injury Bug Hitting Hockey East

Just over a month into the college hockey season, the injury bug has hit Hockey East. And, it is likely to cost some top players significant games.

Northeastern has been without two members of its first line, brothers John and Nolan Stevens. John, the team’s senior captain, has missed the past four games while Nolan, a St. Louis Blues pick, has been out for the past three games. No exact timeline has been set for either’s return, but Nolan’s is considered more longterm.

Boston University, Northeastern’s opponent this past weekend, had a real big scare when first rounder Clayton Keller went down with a knee injury in the third period. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but it would be a serious blow to all of college hockey if his absence is prolonged. Earlier in Saturday’s game, sophomore Ryan Cloonan left with an upper body injury.

While not the impact players of BU or Northeastern, Merrimack has had several injuries to deal with, including that of Ottawa Senators prospect Chris Leblanc. Also out for the Warriors are goaltender Collin Delia and forward Ludvig Larsson.

Providence center Scott Conway will be out for at least a few weeks after sustaining an injury. That news comes just over a week after Kasper Bjorkqvist returned to the Friars lineup after missing the first five games with an injury.