After missing the final weekend of the previous semester due to symptoms of the early stages of arthritis in his back, senior forward Chris Johnson’s Temple ice hockey career is over, coach Jerry Roberts confirmed Friday.

After consulting with multiple doctors, Johnson was ruled out for the season with the arthritis symptoms along with a slipped disk in his back.

“We spoke about it a week ago,” Roberts said. “He went to a few different doctors to find out what the best course of action is. With college sports, you don’t want to jeopardize the condition the longevity of your back for a few hockey games in college. The arthritis is something that’s going to be a long term problem. I don’t anticipate him coming back.”

After a breakout year last season in which he was fourth on the team with 16 points (10 goals, six assists) in 26 games, Johnson has dealt with various injuries throughout the current season and was held to one goal and five assists through 17 games.

-Drew Parent