LA Kings: Brock Faber injured in Gophers’ OT winner
By Ryan Sikes
The Golden Gophers advanced to the B1G Semifinals, but LA Kings prospect Brock Faber was injured in the contest.
Brock Faber was injured late in the second period of Minnesota’s 2-1 overtime win on Sunday. Faber was drafted by the LA Kings in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft and was recently named a finalist for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. The Gophers were playing Michigan State in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten Hockey Tournament.
It looked like Faber got tangled with Charlie Combs of the Spartans, with the former falling to the ice and slamming his shoulders into the end boards. Faber got up under his own power but not after the trainer, and several teammates went to check on him.
Gophers' D Brock Faber went into the boards shoulder first pic.twitter.com/DthQgAQQLG
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) March 14, 2021
This doesn't look good... Brock Faber (#GoKingsGo) down in the Minnesota zone, and in serious distress. Trainers on their way to help him out. Hopefully it's nothing serious.
— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) March 14, 2021
He stayed in the locker for the remainder of the game, and Gophers head coach Bob Motzko indicated that Faber is doubtful for Monday’s semifinal game against Michigan with the hope he can return for the NCAA Tournament. The 18-year-old Kings draft pick tallied a goal and six assists in 23 games this season while taking a pause in collegiate hockey for the 2021 World Juniors.
Let’s hope for the best.
[UPDATE] 1:18 PT He’s good to go tonight!
Great news for the #Gophers. Hearing LA Kings prospect @Brockfaber14 will play tonight in their Big 10 tourney semifinal matchup vs. Michigan.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) March 15, 2021
Watch live at 5:30p PST on @BigTenNetwork.
Winner advances to tomorrow's championship game vs Wisconsin/Penn Stare winner. pic.twitter.com/K8wfFIusR9