Schenectady, N.Y. (December 7,
2003) – – Union College senior captain Glenn Sanders (Saugus, Mass.) will
remain sidelined for the remainder of the 2003-2004 hockey season with a spleen injury sustained in the
Dutchmen's 1-1 tie with Dartmouth on November 14 at Messa Rink at Achilles Center.
Sanders, injured during his first shift in
the game with the Big Green, had emergency surgery to remove his spleen during the
morning of Saturday, November 15. He is recovering at his home in Massachusetts.
Sanders, who is eligible to receive an NCAA
medical hardship for this season, will apply for the “red-shirt” and will make
a decision on whether or not to return for a fifth year at Union at the
conclusion of the academic year.
“We have faced a great deal of adversity so
far this season and losing Glenn is a big loss because he often sets the tone
for how our team plays and practices with his aggressive style and hard work
ethic,” said Union head coach Nate Leaman after learning of the news on
Sanders. “In my opinion, Glenn is hands down the best penalty killer in the
league. He has been, and will continue to be, sorely missed, however our team
will come together and we will have different players step up in those areas.”
Coach Leaman announced today that in
Sander's absence, former assistant captains Brent
Booth (Calgary, Alberta) and Joel Beal (Brantford, Ontario) will take over the team's
co-captain responsibilities
and will now wear the “C” on their uniforms. “I know they will do an excellent
job for us,”
commented Leaman.