Gophers Hockey: Connor Reilly Out For Season With Knee Injury

After going through the entire 2011-2012 season without any major injuries, Minnesota freshman forward Connor Reilly has bucked the trend three weeks before the Gophers open their 2012-2013 campaign.

The University of Minnesota announced today that Reilly, a freshman from Chanhassen, Minnesota and one of three brothers joining the Gophers, will miss the entire season with a knee injury suffered when he slipped and fell awkwardly last weekend. This comes after Connor had surgery on his injured left knee in March when he was one of eight Minnesotans playing on the Canadian Junior "A" champion Penticton Vees.

"I’m disappointed for Connor. He’s been working very hard to get back on the ice this year from his previous surgery, and this is an unfortunate setback for him. I’m confident that he’ll continue to work hard through this process and support the team in any way he can this season," said Gopher head coach Don Lucia in a statement. "We have a great medical staff here at the University of Minnesota, and I know they will make sure Connor’s surgery and ensuing rehabilitation go well."

Reilly will undergo surgery on his knee although a date has yet to be determined.

The 6'1", 170 lb forward finished 7th in the BCHL last year with 86 points (35G-51A) in 54 games for the Vees. He was expected to be one of several freshman, including twin brother Ryan, to contribute to a forward corp that led college hockey in offense last year. Instead Connor, who is undrafted, looks to take a medical redshirt.

For more University of Minnesota coverage, check out The Daily Gopher. You can also find more on the WCHA at Western College Hockey.