The Mobile Mysticks will have to battle for playoff position without the services of their top goaltender.
Mysticks head coach Jeff Pyle learned on Thursday that Maxime Gingras left the Port City to play for the Louisville franchise in the American Hockey League.
Pyle wanted Gingras to stay with the Mysticks for this weekend's games and then leave for the AHL.
For now, Pyle has signed former Baton Rouge goalie Dave Waddleton to serve as an emergency backup to Reg Bourcier, but he has left the door open for Gingras to return.
"I'm unhappy in the way it was done but wish Gingras the best," said Pyle. "The Louisville team and his agent forced Gingras into this move. There wasn't a sense of urgency for him to join a team that has no chance for the playoffs."
Gingras is tied for third in the East Coast Hockey League with 23 wins this season and 12 have occurred in a Mysticks uniform since he was acquired in an early January trade with the Richmond Renegades.
(C) Mobile Register