Kings defenseman Alec Martiinez spent last week back home in Dallas. Although the NHL lockout was nearing the completion of its second full month, he was feeling pretty good about himself. Martinez had been over in Finland playing for TPS Turku and just before leaving he scored his first goal with the team. After ten games played overseas he came back to the States during the break in the schedule, when all teams shut down for the Euro hockey tournaments.
Today marked his return to the ice with Turku and it wasn’t a good one. He took a puck to the face in the first period off a slapshot from Juha Leimu and is now at the hospital being evaluated. Preliminary reports from the team indicate a possible concussion. We’ll post more info as it becomes available.
[UPDATE 11:41am PST – Per Finnish reporter Matias Strozyk, Martinez is still in the hospital for scans/tests. TPS coach said it doesn’t look good and Martinez might be out of action for a while.]
[UPDATE November 14 – Martinez will have surgery for a fractured cheekbone (six fractures actually) in a few days, presumably after the swelling goes down. Word is he may be returning to the States for the procedure.]
Here’s video of the incident…
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[…] scary news out of the SM-liiga regarding Los Angeles defenseman Alex Martinez — according to Kings blog Mayor’s Manor, Martinez was hospitalized on Tuesday after taking a slapshot to the face while playing for TPS […]