The finger injury to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute sophomore center Brock Higgs turned out to be more severe than originally though, coach Seth Appert said Thursday night, and thus, the Engineers will be without the centermen on their two top forward lines for this weekend's games at Ferris State.
Junior Marty O'Grady, a junior right winger who's played center thus far this season, is out with what's still an undisclosed injury.
Senior captain Joel Malchuk will center one line, likely with Josh Rabbani on his right and Matt Tinordi at left wing.
Freshman Matt Neal will center another line and senior Alex Angers-Goulet will likely headman a third. He's played left wing for most of his RPI carerr.
The fourth line could be centered by sophomore Johnny Rogic or by freshman Jacob Laliberte, who's played both left wing and center during his junior hockey career.
The highly celebrated recruit is still seeking his first collegiate point.
Appert said Thursday night from Big Rapids, Mich. that junior Bryce Merriam will start in net for the Engineers on Friday night.
Appert, a Ferris State alumnus, may go with Merriam for Saturday's game as well, or may use freshman Scott Diebold, who was sharp in a 1-0 loss to Minnesota State in his college debut last week.