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Burrows suffers possible concussion in World Hockey Championships

Alex Burrows, Jan Hejda

Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Burrows (14) runs over Colorado Avalanche’s Jan Hejda, of the Czech Republic, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck)

AP

Canucks forward Alex Burrows was forced to leave today’s World Hockey Championships game in Helsinki after colliding with a Slovak player during Canada’s 3-2 victory.

According to CP’s Chris Johnston, Burrows “looked woozy leaving the ice,” raising concerns he may have suffered a concussion.

Team Canada coach Brent Sutter said Burrows is “day to day” and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.

Incidentally, Burrows might’ve been the most excited of all the Team Canada invites. Undrafted out of junior, he’s risen all the way from the ECHL to representing his country on the international stage.

“To be here now, seven seasons into my NHL career and representing Canada, I’ve come a long way and I’m proud of it,” Burrows told the Vancouver Sun recently.

“There are so many good players who have played for our country. For me to get a chance to play, I didn’t really expect this.

“Ever since I was a kid, I always remember watching the world juniors and watching Team Canada. I remember Mario Lemieux scoring on that 3-on-1 [at the Canada Cup] in 1987. Even at the Olympics in Vancouver, I think I was the loudest guy in the building cheering for the team. It means a lot to be part of it - to try to win a gold medal.”

It’s unfortunate that Burrows is best known around the league as the guy who bit Patrice Bergeron, because even though he’s reaping what he sowed as an unabashed agitator, it takes away from a pretty great underdog story.