Hurricanes lost star to Achilles injury

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Carolina Hurricanes right wing Justin Williams will miss four to six months next season because of a torn right Achilles tendon.

The 26-year-old, six-year veteran suffered the injury Wednesday morning and will have surgery on an undisclosed date.

A torn left knee ligament limited his ice time last season to just 37 games.

The (Raleigh, N.C.) News and Observer newspaper reported the injury occurred during an off-ice workout.

"It's certainly a setback for us," General Manager Jim Rutherford told the newspaper. "We were looking forward to Justin having a big year. This doesn't mean he won't be a part of it. He can come back for the most important part of it."

On Tuesday, team captain Rod Brind'Amour had surgery to remove torn cartilage in his left knee, but is expected to be ready to play before the start of the 2008-09 season.