Vanecek to miss time with fractured cheek; Hertl reflects on Sharks’ tribute, return to San Jose

SAN JOSE — Sharks goalie Vitek Vanecek’s unfortunate incident earlier this month will keep him out of the team’s lineup for some time.

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky revealed Saturday that Vanecek sustained a fractured cheek on Dec. 17 when he was struck by an inadvertent puck to the face while sitting on the bench during a game against Winnipeg.

Warsofsky said Vanecek’s status remains week-to-week, expressing confidence that the injury would not become month-to-month. The veteran goalie went on injured reserve Friday.