Injuries sideline two Islanders standouts
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
One mis-step by Hawaiian Islanders defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski last week will lead to his second trip to the injured list this season.
Meanwhile, wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Arceneaux is headed for the IR after aggravating bruised ribs in the same game.
An MRI result yesterday revealed Klaneski suffered a slight tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the road game against Bossier-Shreveport (La.). He will be placed on long-term IR, meaning he'll be out at least four weeks.
The Islanders (3-2) play Saturday at the San Diego Riptide. Following a bye week, they will play two home games.
Klaneski was injured against Bossier-Shreveport early in the fourth quarter.
"I intercepted a ball and I was trying to break to take off and run with it and I hit the turf the wrong way and I kind of tweaked it," said Klaneski, who finished the game despite the injury.
Based on doctors' recommendations, he will rest for three weeks and then be re-evaluated, according to a press release by the team.
Arceneaux will miss two weeks after being placed on short-term IR.
"I hurt it in the Bakersfield game (April 24)," Arceneaux said. "I'm not sure how I did it. I hurt it in the first quarter, and it hurt more and more as the game wore on.
"I tried to suck it up during the Louisiana game, but I hurt it a little bit more. I hope it heals after the bye."
Klaneski and Arceneaux have played key roles this season.
Klaneski leads the team with 18 solo and 12 assisted tackles. He also is the primary kickoff and missed field goal returner.
Arceneaux leads the team with 60 points, is second with 272 receiving yards and third with 17 receptions.
They share the team lead with two interceptions each.
Islanders coach Cal Lee said Desmond Maul will replace Klaneski at defensive specialist.
"Hopefully, not only the guy that comes in and replaces Eddie, but the whole defensive unit has to play better and step up to the plate," Lee said. "That's what you expect when somebody goes down."
Maul started the season opener March 27 at Central Valley (Fresno, Calif.) after Klaneski was placed on short-term IR with a hamstring injury. Maui recorded two assisted and four unassisted tackles in a 68-35 victory.
The Islanders have five receivers with at least 12 receptions this season, but Arceneaux and Robert Kemfort (injured calf; 13 catches), will miss Saturday's game.
Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8041.
