The Vancouver Canucks will be without the services of Steve Bernier for the next four to six weeks after undergoing successful surgery for a sports hernia on Thursday.
Bernier suffered a groin pull in January and has been unable to shake off the lingering effects of the injury.
Bernier left the team last week and returned to Vancouver for further medical evaluation while the Canucks were in the midst of the six-game portion of a 14-game road trip.
After the evaluation it was determined the Quebec native was suffering from a small abdominal tear that would require surgery.
Bernier, who is in his second season with the Canucks, has not put up the offensive numbers that were expected. In 56 games this season Bernier has 11 goals and 10 assists, but has only found the back of the net once in his last 21 games.
The Canucks returned to Vancouver early Thursday after a successful road trip that saw the team go 8-5-1. The Canucks open a five-game homestand on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.
