Storm's Koopmans out for at least 2 weeks

10/25/2005

Toledo Storm goaltender Logan Koopmans will be out at least two weeks with a shoulder injury that he suffered last weekend at Dayton.

In the late stages of the first period, Koopmans made a save and then dived to cover up the puck when an opponent landed on him.

"His shoulder popped out of its socket," said Storm coach Nick Vitucci. "It popped out and back in. It stretched the muscles and the ligaments."

Vitucci, who was the Storm's goaltender from 1993-95 and has the most wins in ECHL history, said the injury could have been much worse and will require some rehab.

"It happened to me quite a few times," Vitucci said. "Actually it's not an uncommon injury for goaltenders, especially how you have to move your catching hand into awkward positions."

Vitucci said he will start backup goaltender Chad Collins tomorrow when Toledo travels to Johnstown. Collins had a 2.48 goals-against average and a 25-13-0 record in 40 games in the Southern Professional Hockey League last season. A backup for Collins will be brought in by game time tomorrow.

"Chad jumped right in there and played very well when Logan went out," Vitucci said.

A RETURN VISIT FROM STANLEY: One of the most recognized trophies in all of professional sports will make a second appearance in just the last eight months at the Sports Arena on Saturday.

The Stanley Cup will be on display inside Exhibition Hall during Saturday's contest against Johnstown. The exhibit is part of the National Hockey League's campaign to raise money for hurricane relief efforts. Toledo is the second stop on a tour of all 25 cities that have ECHL franchises.

Fans will be able to have photos taken with the Cup for a donation. All proceeds will go to the United Way Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund. The Cup also was brought to Toledo on Feb. 25-26.

"It's one of the most special trophies in sports," Vitucci said. "To have that in our building is a real opportunity for our fans to get up close and personal with it."

Contact Mark Monroe at:

mmonroe@theblade.com

ot 419-724-6110.