Early in Hermantown’s 2-1 win over Wayzata, leading scorer — and Minnesota Duluth recruit — Zam Plante left the ice and didn’t return after a hit along the boards.
When he came to school early this week, Plante’s arm was immobilized and in a sling.
“I caught a pass and tried to get it back to my D,” Plante said. “I got hit from behind a little bit away from the boards. I was able to catch myself, but I hurt my shoulder on the play.”
The injury kept Plante out of the Hawks’ lineup the next day as well, a 6-3 win over Rosemount Saturday, and will likely keep him on the bench for a few weeks, but he hopes an MRI scheduled for next will bring some clarity.
“It shouldn’t be that bad — the MRI’s just to make sure nothing is severely torn,” Plante said. “I have pretty good motion, so hopefully I stay on the fast track to recovery.”
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Hermantown coach Patrick Andrews said Plante’s injury was “unfortunate" and occurred behind the play.
"I was very unhappy with the hit because it was unnecessary," Andrews said. "It shouldn't be part of high school hockey."
The injury will keep Hermantown’s leading scorer out of the lineup for several weeks and several big games, including Thursday at Greenway and Saturday at Mahtomedi, the third-ranked Class A program in the state. The Hawks are the top-ranked team in Class A.
Plante said while he is unable to play, he’s focusing on his conditioning. Doctors have told him he can skate without contact, but he can’t shoot, among other things.
“I’ve got to be able to come back in playing shape, but I’ve been here before with last year’s injury,” he said.
Last season, Plante was injured just before the postseason began last season in a game March 8 against Duluth East . Plante missed the section tournament, but returned for the Hawks’ loss to Dodge County in the Class A quarterfinal.
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Assuming the MRI next week doesn’t find any further damage, Plante said he should be back on the ice in January and available for the Hawks’ push toward the postseason.
