Canada’s Josh Morrissey leaves game against Czechia

While it hasn’t been disclosed what exactly is ailing the Winnipeg Jets blueliner, he left the contest near the halfway mark of the second period. Morrissey had played just 7:10 of ice time across 13 shifts on the team’s second pair with veteran rearguard Colton Parayko.

Canada was leading the Czechs 3-0 after 40 minutes, thanks to goals from Macklin Celebrini, Mark Stone and Bo Horvat.

It’s too early to tell the severity of Morrissey’s injury. However, if he remains out for an extended period of time, Thomas Harley might get some quality minutes. The Dallas Stars rearguard was one of the surprises from last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.

Morrissey was a shoo-in to make the Canadian Olympic team after his performance for his country at the 4 Nations last February. He wasn’t able to play in the championship game against the United States due to illness. Canada went on to beat their southern rival in a thrilling overtime classic.

The 4 Nations was the Calgary native’s first bit of international experience since the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship, when he was part of the Canadian roster that took home the silver medal. Morrissey also won gold with Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship, the 2012 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2013 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

Canada is scheduled to take on Switzerland in the second game of Group A play on Friday at 3:10 p.m. ET.