The following article featuring former Clarkson standout Erik Cole appeared December 11 on the News & Observer Web site.

By Chip Alexander


Canes forward Erik Cole is expected to miss two to three weeks with an upper-body injury and forward Chad LaRose three to four weeks with a lower-body injury. Both will be placed on injured reserve, the team said.

Forwards Patrick Dwyer and Jiri Tlusty will be on the ice for the Canes’ morning skate today at the Verizon Center, and are eligible to play tonight against the Washington Capitals.

"He's been dealing with some pain," Canes coach Paul Maurice said today of Cole, who ha a hat trick Saturday in the 5-3 win over Vancouver. "Interestingly enough, he's played his best hockey through it. We've got to let it settle down, for long-term reasons, that he's a good player for us the rest of the year.

"We've had our share of injuries this year but I think the more significant story is the number of players who have been playing through things, and he's one of them. He and LaRose both, we got to the point we have to let their injuries settle down."

The Canes obtained Tlusty from the Toronto Maples Leafs in a Dec. 3 trade for the rights to forward Philippe Paradis, the team's No. 1pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 74 career NHL regular-season games with the Maple Leafs, scoring 10 goals and earning 10 assists (20 points).

Maurice said Dwyer probably would alternate between lines with centers Eric Staal and Rod Brind'Amour.

"Tlusty we will probably put in with Brandon Sutter and leave him there -- two
young guys," Maurice said. "He's new to us. I've seen him play and had him in Toronto. We think he's going to be a good player for us."