DENVER - The Colorado Mammoth announced today that All-Star defenseman Bruce Murray and transition player Nenad Gajic are recovering well and progressing as expected following season-ending surgery for each player.Injuries have been a common thing among the Colorado roster this season. Murray's knee was the fifth major injury that has cost Mammoth starters significant playing time so far this year. As Mammoth General Manager stated last week, "We've lost some of our best offensive (Dan Carey), defensive (Murray), transition players (Jim Moss and Nenad Gajic), as well as our starting goaltender (Gee Nash) for either several weeks or the entire season. It's a tribute to the job our coaches are doing just to have us in the position we're in right now."
Bruce Murray was injured early in the game at San Jose on March 14 and had surgery in Denver this week. "Monday's surgery went very well with no unexpected findings. The damage was extensive, a complete tear of the patella tendon and the retinaculum, but we expect a full recovery for him in 9 -12 months. He will be on crutches for 6 weeks and then begin a supervised rehabilitation program," said Mammoth team doctor Philip Stull.
Transition player, Nenad Gajic, who underwent ankle micro fracture and ligament reconstruction three weeks ago, is also progressing well. There were no complications with his surgery, and the team expects him to also make a full recovery. He should return to play for the Mammoth by training camp next season. The second-year player out of Nebraska-Omaha was off to a great start in 2009 before his injury. Through the first five games of the season, Gajic was second on the squad with 32 loose balls, including a season high 11 in the January 31 win over New York. He also had a goal or assist in each game played this season.
Colorado travels to Philadelphia this Saturday, March 28 for a 5:30pm (MDT) game against the Wings. The next home game for the Mammoth is Friday, April 3 when the Rochester Knighthawks visit Pepsi Center for BLACKOUT Night and Party Pack Night. Tickets for all Mammoth home games are on sale now at the Pepsi Center box office, all Ticketmaster retail centers, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 303.830.TIXS or 719.520.9090.
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