Maine Loses Kariya To Collapsed Lung, Price To Major Juniors

Maine junior winger Steve Kariya remained hospitalized Monday with a collapsed lung suffered early in Maine’s Feb. 28 game against Nebraska-Omaha. Kariya, the nation’s 11th-leading scorer with 23-23-46 in 30 games, was hit while holding his breath, resulting in the puncture.

He is expected to be out for this week’s action, but is probable for the playoffs if the lung seals itself soon, which, according to doctors, happens in 98 percent of all cases. If not, however, Kariya could miss the playoffs.

Maine will also play the remainder of the season without sophomore defenseman Jason Price, who departed the team after Saturday’s game to play major junior hockey in Canada. Price had 1-6-7 in 22 games for the Black Bears this year.