The University of Michigan suffered a huge blow in an early season tune up game against St. Lawrence Saturday night, losing their captain Mark Mitera.

Mitera, a first round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2006, is widely considered one of the top defenseman in all of college hockey. Mitera passed up an opportunity to go pro to return for his senior year with the Wolverines.

According to Inside College Hockey, Mitera collided with a St. Lawrence player late in the opening period and was helped off the ice by two teammates.

Wolverines coach Red Berenson said that Mitera was scheduled to have an MRI after the game. Berenson was unsure of the details surrounding the injury, but knows it might keep his top defenseman out for an extended period of time, saying "It's going to be serious."

The damage on the knee could require surgery, but it will be decided later when Mitera's family discusses options with doctors according to a Michigan athletics spokesperson.