Coyotes C Hanzal to undergo back surgery

Posted: Tue Jul 15 5:00 PM

Glendale, AZ (Sports Network) - Phoenix Coyotes center Martin Hanzal will undergo back surgery to repair a herniated disk on Thursday.

Hanzal suffered the injury while playing for the Czech Republic at the 2008 IIHF World Championship in May.

"While it is unfortunate that Marty was injured during the World Championship, we consider ourselves fortunate that we caught this early," said Coyotes general manager Don Maloney. "With proper procedure and rehab, Marty should be ready to go for training camp."

The 21-year-old Hanzal had eight goals and 27 assists for 35 points in 72 games last season as a rookie for the Coyotes. He was the Coyotes No. 1 pick (17th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Following surgery on Thursday, Hanzal will begin his rehabilitation process and is projected to be ready to resume playing by the start of training camp in mid-September.