The Kitchener Rangers suffered a massive blow today when the club learned that captain Ryan Murphy was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes.
The blueliner, who plays 20-plus minutes a night for the Rangers, was an emergency recall due a rash of injuries to the 'Canes back end.
It's expected that Murphy will return to the Rangers when the injured defencemen are activated.
Carolina is currently without rearguards Tim Gleason and Joni Pitkanen, who are both out with lower body injuries.
Murphy's exit means rookie blueliner Owen Stewart will step into the lineup in Kitchener.
Murphy is third in team scoring with eight goals and 31 assists in 46 games.
Nobody will wear the 'C' in Murphy's absence.
