Ducks center Kirkland rushed to hospital after car crash

The Anaheim Ducks announced that forward Justin Kirkland was involved in a car crash yesterday evening ahead of the team's game against the Boston Bruins. The accident was serious enough where Kirkland was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained overnight. 

He is fully awake and his prognosis is positive, but he has not yet been released from hospital.

More from the Ducks' official press release announcement:

Ducks center Justin Kirkland was involved in a car accident yesterday afternoon on the way to Anaheim's home contest vs. Boston. He was transported to UCI Health, where he remained overnight. He remains under evaluation but has full mobility and is communicating with his family and teammates. He is expected to be released in the next 24-48 hours.

Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek:

"We are thankful for the quick care and treatment Justin received from first responders and medical staff at UCI Health. Justin is in great spirits, and we hope he will be released shortly."

The 26-year-old Kirkland has appeared in seven games for Anaheim this season after signing as an unrestricted free agent last summer. He's also skated in 19 games for the San Diego Gulls (AHL), posting 6-17=13 points.

As stated above, Kirkland has appeared in just seven games for the Ducks this season after signing with the team this past offseason. He's a career minor leaguer who has spent the past seven seasons in the AHL playing with the San Diego Gulls, Stockton Heat and Milwaukee Admirals.