Flyers goalie Niittymaki injures hip in practice

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2006

PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) — Philadelphia Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki might require surgery after injuring his hip in practice, the National Hockey League team said. Niittymaki suffered a torn labrum in his left hip, and Flyers general manager Bob Clarke said the team had forwarded his MRI results to a doctor in Tennessee to determine of an operation would be necessary.

"We won't know if surgery is necessary until tomorrow afternoon," Clarke said. "If surgery is necessary, it will be six to eight weeks before he is back playing." Niittymaki, 26, had a stellar rookie season with the Flyers with a 23-15-6 record and 2.97 goals-against average. The 23 victories tied for third among rookie goaltenders and were the most by a Flyers netminder since Ron Hextall notched...