Charlie McAvoy in Boston hospital, won't play for Team USA in 4 Nations Face-Off final
Charlie McAvoy is in the hospital in Boston and will not play for Team USA against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final, the Bruins said Tuesday.
Charlie McAvoy injury
The Boston Bruins said in a statement their star defenseman was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Monday "to undergo testing related to an upper-body injury" sustained during the tournament.
The Boston Globe first reported the story after Team USA lost to Sweden at TD Garden Monday night. McAvoy was scratched from the lineup with what Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said was an "upper-body injury."
"It's tough. Charlie, he's a terrific hockey player and he's a big part of this team," Sullivan said on Tuesday. "When you lose players of that caliber they're not easy to replace."
The Bruins said McAvoy is "currently being evaluated by Boston Bruins Head Team Physician Dr. Peter Asnis" and that he will not play in the championship game Thursday night at the Garden.
There has been no other official information about the injury or what type of tests are being done, but hockey writer Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff reported that McAvoy is being treated for "an infection that stemmed from a minor injury."
"All I will tell you is he's been admitted to the hospital, he's getting very good care and when the timing is right I'm sure the Bruins will handle it appropriately," Sullivan said. "I'm disappointed for him because first and foremost he's a great kid and he's a terrific hockey player. Under all the circumstances he's in good spirits. I know he's obviously disappointed he won't be able to play for a championship."
Team USA injuries
Team USA is struggling with injuries heading into in the championship game at the Garden Thursday night.
Forward Brady Tkachuk left in the second period of Monday's game with what Sullivan described as a "lower-body injury." Center Auston Matthews didn't play against Sweden. Both are expected to play against Canada.
Sullivan said Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes is on his way to Boston to join the team with McAvoy out for the game.
Team USA beat Canada in Montreal Saturday, 3-to-1.
"It will be an incredible atmosphere," Sullivan said of Thursday night's rematch at the Garden. "This is a great hockey city. It's a great hockey town and there will be a lot of energy around this game. We're certainly looking forward to it."
