Clymer out indefinitely with dizzy spells

Ben Clymer, a freshman defenseman on the Gophers hockey team, will miss this weekend's series against Minnesota-Duluth and is out indefinitely with vertigo.

"It's basically a medical term for dizziness," Gophers trainer Bob Broxterman said.

Clymer missed last weekend's series against Northern Michigan with what was thought to be an inner-ear infection. Earlier this week an ear, nose and throat specialist examined Clymer and determined the Bloomington native had vertigo.

Because of the unpredictability of symptoms, there is no exact timetable for Clymer's return. He has played in 23 games this season, scoring six goals and adding 10 assists. His departure from the lineup last weekend coincided with defenseman Brian LaFleur's return after recovering from a shoulder separation.

"I don't even bat an eyelash anymore," Gophers associate coach Mike Guentzel said. "I used to get frustrated with injuries, but that shortchanges the other guys on the team. We'd love to have a quality player like Ben in there. It's just a shame."

Clymer is temporarily staying at his parents' house in Bloomington.

"It's no fun to sit out, but it is fun to see the team win," Clymer said.

-- Michael Rand