New York Islanders' goalie Rick DiPietro underwent successful surgery on his right hip on Wednesday, bringing an end to his 2008 season.
Noted hip specialist Dr. Marc Philippon performed the surgery in Vail, Colorado after an MRI on Tuesday revealed the extent of the injury.
Philippon says DiPietro should be fully recovered when training camp opens in September.
"Rick wanted badly to be with his team until the end of the season, but this decision was made with his best long-term interests in mind," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow.
"Rick took his game to even greater heights this season, deservedly being named a National Hockey League All-Star for the first time in his career. He gave everything he had to the Islanders and our fans this season and was a warrior all the way through. By having the surgery immediately, Rick will have plenty of time to be at 100-percent long before the start of Islanders training camp in September."
In 63 games this season, DiPietro had a 26-28-7 record with a 2.82 goals against average and three shutouts. Prior to his season ending surgery, he had lost his last five starts.
