Team Canada lost a key defenceman vs Czechia and the bench had to pivot

A loss for Canada in the men's ice hockey tournament as defenseman Josh Morrissey exited in the second period of Canada's game Thursday against Czechia.

Morrissey left early in the second period, with it unclear what caused Morrissey to leave, having exited from the Canadian bench.

During the second intermission, it was confirmed that Morrissey would not return to today's game, leaving Canada with just six defensemen.

Because play has already started for Canada, they cannot bring in another defenseman. The Canadians current defensive extra is Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim.

Sanehim could be activated for Canada's next game Friday vs Switzerland if Morrissey is unavailable to play tomorrow against the Swiss.

The 30-year-old of the Winnipeg Jets has 10 goals, 32 assists, & 42 games in the NHL this season. Morrissey played for Canada at the 4 Nations tournament, winning gold with the team.

It would be another potential disappointment internationally for Morrissey if he is unable to continue in the Olympics, having missed the finals of the 4 Nations against the United States after dealing with an illness, having played in Canada's first three games.

An update was provided post-game by Canadian head coach Jon Cooper on the status of Morrissey. Cooper said that Morrissey attempted to return to the game but was unable to.

Cooper did not provide an update on if Morrissey would be able to return for the next game, but expressed the hope that the injury was not serious, meaning that an update may not come until tomorrow.

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