Vermont forward Brady Leisenring will sit out the remainder of the 2004-05 season and plans to apply for a hardship waiver in order to return for his final season of eligibility in 2005-06.
Leisenring, an assistant captain of the Catamounts the last two seasons, played in six games this season, scoring three goals and adding six assists for nine points. He has been dealing with recurring groin strains, a situation that was aggravated in the game at Clarkson on Nov. 13th. With extensive rehabilitation, Leisenring is expected to fully recover in time for next season.
Vermont currently holds the nation’s longest unbeaten streak, nine games (6-0-3).
A first-team All-ECAC Hockey League selection in 2003-04, he tied for the scoring lead in league games in 2003-04. Also named first-team All-New England last season, Leisenring finished the year with 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points.
“After meeting with the our medical staff and Brady and his family, everyone agrees that applying for a hardship waiver is in Brady’s best interest as well as the best interest of the program,” Sneddon said. “Brady’s desire to return next season shows how much he cares about this program. In the short term, not having him in the lineup hurts, but in the long run, the notion of having a healthy Brady next season is certainly something to look forward to.
“This team has been built to run on the sum of its parts, and not on any one individual. Despite missing Brady these last few games, our team has shown that they can defeat some of the best teams in the country. Each player will have to step it up a notch within their role in order for our team to continue to play well.”
In 108 career games at Vermont, Leisenring has 35 goals and 47 assists for 82 career points.
The Catamounts host New Hampshire on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
