McLeod injured in game against Copenhagen

Former Brahmas defenseman underwent surgery today

Former Brahmas defenseman Kevin Mcleod underwent surgery today to repair what has been described as severe damage to his teeth and jaw, sustained during Yesterday's AL Bank Cup match between EfB Hockey and Hockey Copenhagen.

Midway through a hard fought match, McLeod was reportedly hit in the face by a fast traveling puck. He suffered a broken jaw and lost three teeth, with several others pushed in or otherwise damaged. Bleeding heavily, McLeod was assisted off the ice and had to leave the game.

"I know they say that the damage comes and goes for all teams, but this was really ugly," EfB's head coach Tomas Jonsson said.

The accident occurred 34 minutes into the contest and the remainder of the middle period had to be interrupted because of the time needed to clean up blood on the ice. As a result, the third period was extended for six minutes.

McLeod was taken to Hvidovre Hospital, where he received about 40 stitches and was then transferred to University Hospital where specialists could assess the damage to his jaw. McLeod underwent surgery this afternoon.

"It was a sad and ugly incident," EfB Ice Hockey sports chief, Peter Gommesen said. "He is probably going to be out until the New Year."

McLeod's former teammate and former Brahmas goalie Brett Jaeger was in net for Copenhagen and earned the win in the 3-2 victory, which keeps his team's playoff hopes alive.

"We must thank Brett Jaeger for the victory," Copenhagen head coach Morten Hagen said. "He made some incredible saves under intense pressure from Esbjerg."

McLeod, 27, spent the 2010-11 campaign with Hvidovre Ligahockey (Denmark), scoring 23 points (7 G, 16 A) and 123 penalty minutes. He added two assists in four playoff games.

He began the 2011-12 season on a six-game tryout with the Vienna Capitals, member of the Erste Bank Hockey League in Austria. He signed a contract with Esbjerg on September 26th and has tallied four assists and 12 penalty minutes thus far.

Prior to traveling overseas, McLeod spent three seasons with the Brahmas, registering 114 points (46 G, 68 A) and 201 PIM in 168 regular season contests and 20 points (5 G, 15 A) and 40 PIM in 31 post-season games.

Photo Credit: EfB Hockey