UM hockey captain Leveille to have injured back X-rayed

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Michel Leveille won’t know the extent of his back injury until he gets his back X-rayed this week.

UMaine’s senior center and captain is cautiously optimistic it won’t keep him sidelined long.

Leveille was checked from behind by University of Vermont senior defenseman and co-captain Kenny Macaulay and went headfirst into the boards 58 seconds into the second period. He laid on the ice and had to be attended to by Maine trainer Mark Badurak before eventually getting to his feet and skating off.

He didn’t return but did watch the game in street clothes.

Macaulay received a five-minute major for hitting from behind and game misconduct.

“A doctor examined me. He checked my breathing to see if there was anything wrong inside. I didn’t have any trouble breathing. The muscles in my back are really stretched right now. It’s really sore,” said Leveille, who is Maine’s leading scorer with 11 goals and 8 assists.

“The good thing is we only have one game next weekend [Friday vs. Providence College]. Maybe I’ll just miss that one. Or maybe I’ll be ready for it,” said Leveille.

Leveille didn’t feel Macaulay meant to hurt him.

“I was waiting to get a lean on [Macaulay] but, somehow, I tripped on his stick and he pushed me in the back as I was falling down,” said Leveille. “It’s just part of the game.”

University of Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon said, “you never like to see a hit like that. I know Kenny Macaulay and I certainly don’t think he meant to do it. I hope [Leveille is] OK. I wish him well. He’s one of the best players in college hockey and you hate to see [him hurt].”

Macaulay had just two minor penalties in 11 games this season.

Maine junior left winger Billy Ryan said losing Leveille for an extended period of time would be “a big loss.

“But you can’t think about things you can’t control. Hopefully, he’ll come back soon,” said Ryan.