NEW REPORTS: Kirkpatrick 'now day-to-day'

Michael Kirkpatrick’s injury doesn’t seem to be as severe as initially reported.

The Telegraph-Journal provided some in-depth updates on the status of the Saint John Sea Dogs 20-year old in Tuesday’s paper.

Kirkpatrick sustained an upper-body injury in last Wednesday's 6-5 victory in Lewiston. During his first shift of the second period, he tried to deliver a hit in neutral ice. Kirkpatrick went awkwardly into the boards and the overager from North Sydney, N.S., knew he'd been injured right away. He's hoping to skate when the Dogs practise today.

"It's getting better every day," Kirkpatrick said. "I just want to be involved in the (final)."

Chronicle Herald Quebec Major Junior Hockey League reporter Willy Palov tweeted that Kirkpatrick did indeed take part in Tuesday’s practice.

“Initial reports on Michael Kirkpatrick's injury were 3-6 weeks but Gerard Gallant said he got good news from the doc today,” tweeted Palov. “Now day-to-day.”

“Kirkpatrick skated today for the first time since hurting himself and Gallant said he was encouraged with how he felt.”

Halifax Mooseheads play-by-play man John Moore reported on Sunday that Kirkpatrick would miss the President’s Cup final and be out “at least three weeks” with a shoulder injury.

The 20-year old has three goals and 10 assists in 13 post-season games this year. In the regular season, Kirkpatrick recorded 31 goals and 51 helpers in 63 contests. He brings offense to the table but is also solid defensively and on faceoffs.

The league final starts Thursday at Harbour Station when the Sea Dogs take on the Gatineau Olympiques in Game One of the best-of-seven series.