Knee surgery ends season of Mattias Ohlund

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 13 (UPI) -- Surgery to remove bone chips in his left knee will end the 2007-08 NHL season of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund.

The team made the announcement on its Web site Thursday.

The injury initially was discovered during an MRI on March 5 and after subsequent swelling, the Canucks decided to sit Ohlund for the next four to six days to see if the swelling would go down.

Ultimately, surgery was performed on Thursday.

"After further consultation with our team doctors, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action," said senior vice president and general manager Dave Nonis. "The best long term decision for Mattias and our hockey club is to have this addressed immediately."

Nonis added that the swelling and discomfort following the three games that Ohlund played hurt made it unrealistic for him to continue.

The burly defenseman ends the season with nine goals and 15 assists to lead all Vancouver players at his position.