Pirates were runners-up in the Elite League in 2010 season

Poole Pirates' Darcy Ward will miss the start of the Elite League season with a broken wrist and shoulder.

Ward, 18, who picked up the injury in pre-season training, will miss the meeting at Eastbourne Eagles on Sunday.

"It's so frustrating - Darcy was key to our side this year," Pirates promoter Matt Ford told the club website.

"We had the same thing with Chris Holder last year - you can't stop them from doing these disciplines but I hope it isn't another 2009 all over again."

The 2009 campaign saw the Pirates finish eighth in the league after Jason Doyle was ruled out with a long-term shoulder injury and the Pirates struggled to find a suitable replacement at short notice.

A return date is yet to be set for Ward, but the Pirates are expected to find a short-term replacement for the under-21 world champion.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version