Natives captain injured again; hopes to be back before Christmas break

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Published on Tuesday, December 10, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

Ryley Pace can't catch a break. The Neepawa Natives captain injured his shoulder late in the game against the OCN Blizzard on Dec. 4 and was unable to play this past weekend.

Pace is expected to be out of the Natives lineup for an indefinite period of time.

It's unfortunate news for Pace considering the 20-year-old blueliner had recently returned to the ice from a torn MCL (medial collateral ligament) he suffered in October.

He says he's hoping to return to game action prior to the league's Christmas break.

"Only time will tell," he said regarding the injury. "The shoulder is feeling a lot better."

He says watching his teammates from the stands and not being able to do anything to help them out is frustrating.

"Especially being a leader this year," he said. "There's only so much you can say to the team without lacing the skates up and leading by example on the ice in game action."

Without Pace, the Natives were able to pick up four of a possible six points over the weekend and will look to continue their winning ways in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League on Thursday night when they travel to Virden to battle the Oil Capitals.

In photo: Ryley Pace

Photo submitted