Cory Sarich expecting to make 'full recovery,' resume NHL career following cycling accident

The Colorado Avalanche released a message on behalf of injured defenseman Cory Sarich following news that he had suffered multiple broken vertebrae and a severe case of road rash in a cycling accident on Monday.

Via Mike Chambers of The Denver Post:

Veteran NHL defenceman Cory Sarich was injured in a cycling accident while training in Invermere, BC, on the morning of Monday, July 21, 2014. Sarich was struck by a motor vehicle and was airlifted to a hospital in Calgary, AB. 

He is in stable condition and his injuries are not considered life-threatening. The full extent of his injuries and the timeline for his recovery and return to the NHL is unclear.

“It’s been a rough couple of days and I’m grateful for the support I’ve been receiving from the medical team here and from family and friends” said Sarich. “My wife Reagan and I appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement.”

Sarich expects to make a full recovery and to resume his NHL career. 

He will not be available for further comment, but will provide more information, when available, via his twitter account @sarchy06.

Sarich is currently an unrestricted free agent, with 969 games with the Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres on his resume.