Blackhawks D Barker to undergo ankle surgery

Updated: September 15, 2006, 3:03 PM ET
SportsTicker

CHICAGO - The injuries already are piling up for the Chicago Blackhawks.

One day after announcing goaltender Patrick Lalime needs back surgery that will sideline him two to three months, the Blackhawks announced Friday that defenseman Cam Barker was to undergo a procedure on his fractured ankle later in the day, keeping him on the shelf for four to six weeks.

The third overall pick in the 2004 draft, Barker on Friday morning underwent an MRI, which revealed the fracture. The 20-year-old was to have the surgery later in the day at the University of Chicago Hospital.

A native of Winnipeg, Barker made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks last season, appearing in one game early in the campaign. He then was sent back to Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League, where he recorded five goals, 13 assists and 63 penalty minutes in 26 contests.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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