LetsGoDU

DU Winger Out 12 Weeks

From: Rocky Mountain News
By Pat Rooney
October 18, 2006

University of Denver senior winger J.D. Corbin will undergo surgery today to repair a broken right fibula he suffered in hockey practice Monday.

Corbin, who also suffered ligament damage in his ankle, is one of the Pioneers' alternate captains and shared the team lead with three assists through DU's first four games.

The fracture is similar to the one suffered by former Pioneers winger Connor James at the end of the 2004 regular season. James, though, did not suffer the ligament damage that Corbin did and was able to return a month later to contribute to the Pioneers' march to the national championship.

The best-case scenario has Corbin returning in mid- to late-January, although he could be sidelined longer if his ankle is slow to respond to rehabilitation.

At the very least, Corbin will miss key Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against Minnesota Duluth, Colorado College and Minnesota, as well as two series against defending national champion Wisconsin.

A native of Littleton whose draft rights are held by the Avalanche, Corbin was expected to blossom as one of DU's most consistent contributors after producing eight of his career-best 20 points last season during the final six games.

It is the second major injury Corbin has suffered in his career. He missed the 2005 Frozen Four in Columbus, Ohio, after suffering a broken collarbone during practice before the national semifinals.