European Leagues

Yesterday marked the innagural matches of the new Russian Elite League, the KHL. So, the season is finally here!

Albert Vishnyakov had 1 assist and was -1 in Novokuznetsk's 5-4 overtime loss to Minsk.

Alexei Glukhov did not play in Mytishchi's 6-5 overtime loss to Spartak.

Lightning prospect followers can breathe a sigh of relief today as the Bolts' highest ranked European prospect, 22 year-old forward Johan Harju, received some positive news regarding the hamstring injury he suffered Monday in Lulea's first practice session for the upcoming season.

Lasse Lundgren, Lulea physiotherapist, indicated that damage is not uncommon for hockey players and expects the left winger to return to the ice in the next few days. The injury was a "rupture" to the hamstring and intends to get Harju running Wednesday or Thursday as part of the usual rehab of injuries such as this. Lundgren said there would be no rush for Harju and that he would be rested for a bit considering the importance of the upcoming season for Lulea.

Harju admitted that he first noticed the hamstring back in July when he was playing land hockey and missed a tackle.

A sixth round pick by the Lightning in the 2007 draft, Harju has scored 32 goals in 106 games over the past two seasons for Lulea in the SEL.

Norrbottens-Kuriren is reporting that Lightning prospect Johan Harju suffered a possible knee injury during an on-ice practice session with Lulea for the upcoming SEL season. Apparently, Harju went to make a turn and felt a snap in the back of his knee. The team is being cautious with the possible injury and Harju left the ice in order to get a medical examination of the knee by a doctor. No further information about the extent of the injury are known at this time.

(Thanks to BP staffer sotnos for the translation help!)