This is just tragic. He may never play again.
AVS MOORE OUT FOR THE SEASON
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore underwent surgery for a fractured vertebra Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season, the team said.
"Steve Moore will remain hospitalized in Vancouver for an indefinite period of time," Avalanche head trainer Pat Karns said in a statement. "Exams have revealed that Steve sustained a concussion and a cervical injury [neck fracture] and will be out at least for the remainder of the season. He also suffered deep facial lacerations and abrasions to the forehead, right cheek and upper lip.
"As soon as his condition permits him to travel, he will be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, where some of the best neurosurgeons in the country will re-evaluate his condition in further detail. Steve regained consciousness before leaving the arena last night."
Moore was jumped from behind by Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi in the third period of Colorado's 9-2 victory over the Canucks on Monday night. Bertuzzi delivered a punch to the back of Moore's head, driving him face-first into the ice. Moore was knocked unconscious and later carted off on a stretcher.
Less than two hours after the final horn Monday, the NHL suspended Bertuzzi, who was given a match penalty for intent to injure, indefinitely -- without pay. There will be a hearing Wednesday morning at the league's office in Toronto.
Vancouver police are investigating the incident.
"Steve knows he has the support of the entire Avalanche family and hockey fans throughout the world, and we hope that he recovers as soon as possible," Colorado president and GM Pierre Lacroix said in a statement.
Vancouver police investigated Marty McSorley's stick incident on then-Canuck Donald Brashear back in March 2000.
