Hockey captain Glenn Sanders out for season

Schenectady, N.Y. (December 7, 2003) - - Union College senior captain Glenn Sanders (Saugus, Mass.) will remain sidelined for the remainder of the 2003-2004 hockey season with a spleen injury sustained in the Dutchmen's 1-1 tie with Dartmouth on November 14 at Messa Rink at Achilles Center.

Sanders, injured during his first shift in the game with the Big Green, had emergency surgery to remove his spleen during the morning of Saturday, November 15. He is recovering at his home in Massachusetts.

Sanders, who is eligible to receive an NCAA medical hardship for this season, will apply for the "red-shirt" and will make a decision on whether or not to return for a fifth year at Union at the conclusion of the academic year.

"We have faced a great deal of adversity so far this season and losing Glenn is a big loss because he often sets the tone for how our team plays and practices with his aggressive style and hard work ethic," said Union head coach Nate Leaman after learning of the news on Sanders. "In my opinion, Glenn is hands down the best penalty killer in the league. He has been, and will continue to be, sorely missed, however our team will come together and we will have different players step up in those areas."

Coach Leaman announced today that in Sander's absence, former assistant captains Brent Booth (Calgary, Alberta) and Joel Beal (Brantford, Ontario) will take over the team's co-captain responsibilities and will now wear the "C" on their uniforms. "I know they will do an excellent job for us," commented Leaman.