coyotesnews

MARTIN HANZAL TO UNDERGO SURGERY FOR HERNIATED DISK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that Coyotes center Martin Hanzal is scheduled to undergo back surgery to repair a herniated disk on Thursday, July 17 by back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. Hanzal sustained the injury while playing for the Czech Republic at the 2008 IIHF World Championship in May.

"While it is unfortunate that Marty was injured during the World Championship, we consider ourselves fortunate that we caught this early,” said Maloney. “With proper procedure and rehab, Marty should be ready to go for training camp."

Hanzal, 21, recorded 8-27-35 and 28 penalty minutes (PIM) in 72 games for the Coyotes last season as a rookie. The 6-foot-5, 208-pound center ranked 2nd on the Coyotes in faceoffs taken (1,019), T-4th in game-winning goals (3) and 6th in points (35). Among all NHL rookies, Hanzal ranked 4th in faceoffs won (470), 8th in power play assists (11) and power play points (12), T-8th in assists (27) and 9th in points (35).

Following surgery on Thursday, Hanzal will begin his rehabilitation process and is projected to be ready to resume playing by the start of training camp in mid-September.