Munich, Germany - Six months before the opening faceoff of the new DEL campaign, center Kai Hospelt of the Kölner Haie became the first casualty of 2004-05 when he tore the ACL in his right knee. The injury occured Wednesday during a mini-camp practice with Germany's Under-20 Junior Squad. He will be out for several months.

This is a huge setback for Hospelt, who is one of Germany's biggest talents. The 18-year-old winger was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 7th round (216th overall) in 2003. In two seasons with the Kölner Haie in the German Elite League, Hospelt has recorded two goals, four assists and 18 penalty minutes in 68 regular season games.

Hospelt is set to undergo reconstructive surgery in about ten days.