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Lethbridge Hurricanes Vandervlis to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

Dec 5, 2017 | 2:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Hurricanes have announced 19-year-old forward, and assistant captain, Ryan Vandervlis will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.

Vandervlis, who was undrafted in the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, was signed by the Hurricanes in 2014.

The Red Deer, Alberta native has skated in 162 regular season games in his career posting 30 goals and 37 assists to go along with 70 penalty minutes.

Vandervlis also added eight goals and six assists in 22 career playoff games.

He appeared in 19 games this season for the Hurricanes registering 19 points, including a career-high 11 goals.

Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt says it’s certainly unfortunate news from a lot of different aspects.

“He was such a big part of our hockey club as a leader and with the experience he acquired last year in playoffs, it’s hard for him and our hockey club,” Anholt said.

“He’s had some shoulder problems over the last while that started in the playoffs last year and it’s caused him some grief throughout this year,” Anholt said, adding that the decision was made to get his shoulder fixed now so Vandervlis can be prepared for next year.

Anholt says this is the right move, although it’s one of those things you try not to do, but it was inevitable.

“With getting it done now, that will give him time in the summer to prepare and be ready for the start of training camp.”