Hoeffel out for at least 2-3 weeks with mono

Maybe the Gophers should have brought in more than one forward this month.

Jacob Cepis, the speedy wing from Parma, Ohio, is tearing it up with four goals in six games. But all of a sudden there is another hole to plug. Mike Hoeffel, one of the veteran forwards, is out.

He was diagnosed with mono on Monday. His doctor wants him back in two weeks for a recheck, meaning more blood tests.

In the best case scenario, he will be back in two, three weeks. At least that is what his doctor told him, according to Hoeffel's mom Cathy. That may be optimistic.

Checking for more info. on mono, this is what the WebMD says:

Mononucleosis (mono) may cause an enlarged spleen, which could rupture if you are hit in the abdomen. A ruptured spleen is serious and requires immediate surgery to correct.

To reduce the risk of having a ruptured spleen, avoid heavy lifting or contact sports for 4 weeks after you become ill with mono or until your doctor says it is safe.

Even when he comes back, Hoeffel will probably need some time to get back in the shape he was in. He was having his best season.

Hoeffel had nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points as a freshman, and 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points as a sophomore.

He was on a pace to easily set career bests. He has 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points, which ties him for the team lead in points with Tony Lucia and Jordan Schroeder.

The next highest goal-scorers on the team are Lucia and Patrick White with six apiece. Hoeffel also led the team with four power-play goals and three game-winning goals.

He was most recently playing on a line centered by Mike Carman and with former Hill-Murray teammate Nick Larson at right wing.