Derek Lee Ruled Out of North Dakota Series with Concussion

A concussion suffered last Saturday night vs Alaska-Anchorage will keep Wisconsin center Derek Lee out of action this weekend, according to a tweet from the Wisconsin State Journal's Andy Baggot.

Wisconsin center Derek Lee (concussion) won't play in WCHA series at North Dakota.

— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) January 30, 2013

Lee suffered the injury in the second period when he was on the receiving end of a high hit courtesy of UAA defenseman Austin Sevalrud. Lee went down immediately, and did not return to the the contest.

Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves noted on Monday he was hopeful that Lee would be able to play, but admittedhis senior alternate captain was still feeling lingering affects from the hit.

This is Lee's second known head injury at Wisconsin, as he suffered a concussion last season at North Dakota. Lee missed nine games before finally returning in the WCHA playoffs.

Currently Wisconsin's second-leading scorer with 19 points on the season, Lee will surely be missed in a crucial WCHA series between two teams that are tied for fourth place.

Without the services of Lee down the middle, Eaves has a number of options at the center position. Jefferson Dahl, Brendan Woods and Keegan Meuer have all played the pivot and could see extended action in Lee's place.

Another option would be to pull freshman Nic Kerdiles off of the wing. Kerdiles played both left-wing and center last season for the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he led the team in scoring.

For more Wisconsin hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter (@AndyJohnsonB5Q)

You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)