Sarnia Sting forward Alex Galchenyuk, one of the top prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, will have surgery later this week to repair a torn ACL in his knee.
The centre, who was injured on Sept. 16 in an exhibition game against the Windsor Spitfires, was rated fifth on TSN's 2012 pre-season draft prospect list.
"Unfortunately, injuries like this are a part of the game," Sarnia Sting general manager Jacques Beaulieu said in a statement. "Our thoughts are solely with Alex at this time as this was very difficult news to receive.
"We will be providing Alex with the best care possible as he begins his rehab towards getting back on the ice. We are very hopeful Alex will be back in the lineup towards the end of the regular season."
Galchenyuk, who has not appeared in a regular season game this year, scored 31 goals and 83 points in 68 games last season, finishing third in OHL rookie goal scoring and tying teammate and (potential first overall draft pick in 2012) Nail Yakupov in assists.
