Chunkai Bumbai Placed on I.R. - Scheduled to return in 8-12 Weeks

A questionable hit sent Cowboy veteran RW Chunkai Bumbai careening into the boards Sunday evening. Bumbai was chasing a loose puck into the corner deep in the zone when a player from the opposing team checked Bumbai from behind, sending his body to the ice and sliding at top speed into the boards.

"I thought for sure I was paralyzed" recalls Bumbai Tuesday evening. "I got into the ambulance and I couldn't feel my legs - like a giant cast was already wrapped around them. But Randy (the Cowboy team Doctor since 2011-2012 season) took great care of me. I should be back in action sooner than anticipated, but I won't be skating for a while, that's for sure."

Although Bumbai was thankfully not paralyzed by his injury, he did sustain a broken ankle, along with a torn ligament (fibula), which is going to put him on the IR for a minimum of 8 weeks. Bumbai hopes to return as soon as possible.

"I'm going to let it rest - you know, do the right thing - that way I will be fresh and ready to hit the ice for the 2013-2014 season."

Bumbai is looking into insurance options for his continued pay with the Cowboys. Unfortunately, the EASHL only covers liability with regards to long-term injury. In order to Bumbai to successfully remain a paid player during his time on IR, his lawyer will have to prove that liability is with the negligence of the player who hit him.

"I think we have a strong case against the guy" said Bumbai's attorney Josh Zinga (Burlington, ON). "I mean the guy hit him from behind. It's this kind of thing that we need to address in order to prevent any more cowboys from falling off their saddles, short term or long."

Bumbai is eager to return to action, but will take the required time off as prescribed by the team Doctor.

"We'll get him back as soon as possible" ensures Randy. "We know how important he is to the Cowboys, but we also have to think long-term here. Look at Erik Karlsson. We hope to have Bumbai recover as quickly, but not everyone is so fortunate."

Action resumes with or without Bumbai Thursday night.