Team North America defenceman Aaron Ekblad out for rest of World Cup of Hockey

TORONTO – Team North America defenceman Aaron Ekblad will miss the rest of the World Cup of Hockey, the team announced on Tuesday.

Ekblad missed North America’s 4-3 loss to Russia on Monday night with what the team has called an upper-body injury.

“Due to the upper-body injury that he suffered recently, defenceman Aaron Ekblad has left Team North America and he will not return,” said North America general manager Peter Chiarelli on Tuesday. “While Aaron would have liked to stay with his teammates at the World Cup of Hockey, we respect the decision for him to continue his evaluation and rehabilitation in Florida with the Panthers’ team doctors.

“Aaron was a very important part of our defence core here and a key leader on this team. We wish him all the best in his recovery.”

Ekblad was seemingly hurt in North America’s 4-1 win over Finland on Sunday when Leo Komarov shoved him into the boards.

Media reports said that Ekblad was concussed, but Chiarelli and North America head coach Todd McLellan both insist that’s not the case.