The Manitoba Bison men’s hockey team will have two new players on the ice this weekend, one of whom began with the Bisons at the start of the season but was injured and required surgery.
Fifth-year player and alternate captain Riley Dudar will suit up with the Herd after he was diagnosed with “season-ending surgery” to repair a lacerated spleen.
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The 25-year-old checked into the boards during a game against the Regina Rams on October 9 at the Max Bell Arena. Dudar was winded and returned to the bench — later being rushed to hospital after being looked at by the team doctor.
Dudar lacerated about half of his spleen and was told not to play any sports for six months, and not to lift more than 10 pounds for six to eight weeks.
Dudar miraculously made a speedy recovery and was cleared for contact by mid-December after an ultrasound showed no blood, cuts or scarring.
The Winnipeg native credits his recovery with leading a healthy lifestyle and staying away from fatty foods. He was able to workout within two to three weeks after surgery and always tried to maintain a level of fitness. This past spring, he began training for the qualifiers for the CrossFit Games.
The Bisons travel to Saskatchewan to play the Huskies on Friday and Saturday, and will have new recruit Jordan Cyr at their disposal. The 24-year-old Winnipegger played for the NCAA Division 1 Holy Cross Crusaders team in the Atlantic Hockey Conference for two seasons from 2008-2010.
On the local front, the Bison women’s hockey team remains at home to also play the Huskies Friday and Saturday at the Max Bell Arena. Game time is 7 p.m.
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