ASU Men’s Hockey: Justin Robbins ‘going to be okay’ after freak injury

(Photo: Chicago Steel)

Arizona State freshman reserve goaltender Justin Robbins suffered a freak accident injury in the early stages of Saturday night’s contest against Quinnipiac and will “be out a while,” according to ASU head coach Greg Powers.

Robbins was sitting on the bench when he — according to Powers — got his hand caught in one of the bench’s doors. Robbins was then observed leaving the team bench towards a side door on Oceanside Ice Arena with his hand wrapped in a towel. He was not scene after that.

“It was really unfortunate,” Powers said of the injury during his postgame press conference. “He’s going to be okay. He’s going to be out for awhile. It was just a freak injury that happened. You hate to see that happen but I’m sure he’s going to be okay.”

Robbins is one of three goaltenders currently on the ASU roster.

The first-year Sun Devil battled for the starting goaltender spot during the preseason but, along with graduate transfer Max Prawdzik, he came up short in the competition with the opening night starting job ultimately going to sophomore Evan DeBrouwer. Prawdzik started game two of season opening series against Mercyhurst and surrendered four goals in the Sun Devils’ 6-4 win.

Although he is arguably third on the depth chart, Robbins saw ice time at Minnesota State on October 12. He played 15 minutes in the team’s second game of the series. The freshman came in with the Sun Devils down 4-0 and surrendered one goal while recording 12 saves.

Robbins came to ASU out of the United States Hockey League, where he spent two full seasons with the Chicago Steel. There, he played in 68 games and posting a GAA of 3.67 while winning the Clark Cup Championship in his final season.

After joining the Sun Devils, the 5-foot-9 netminder earned the compliments of ASU volunteer goalie coach and former NHL goaltender, Eddie Lack.

“He has super good lateral play and [he’s good at] tracking the puck,” Lack said. “That’s for sure his strength.”

There have not been any further updates on Robbins status since Powers’ press conference directly following the game. This story will be updated to reflect updates once they are given.