Claude Giroux was the recipient of a controversial hit this weekend which injured his neck. G was taken to the hospital (presumably where German night nurses were lining up to give him a sponge bath), but the injury did’t appear to be serious. Initial reports, Paul Holmgren, and Giroux believed that to be the case. But now Giroux will return to the states for additional tests in Atlanta. Here’s the translated story from hockeyweb.de:

Forward Claude Giroux is the Berlin Polar Bears missing indefinitely. The 24-year-old Canadian is leaving tomorrow to North America and will be examined by a specialist in Atlanta with different tests on the ice and off the ice.

These tests are precautionary measures, agreed to by polar bears manager Peter Lee with [Claude] Giroux to avoid a more serious injury and its consequences. Giroux was after the incident in Krefeld-game not unconscious, the SCAT test (new standard in injuries to the head and neck area) showed no clear result. Giroux complained, was still feeling unwell.

The polar bears have taken to close the case by the disciplinary committee to understand why. "The heads of the players must be more protected. I'm not sure that everyone involved knows what is necessary for it. I had "expected by the previous decisions of the DEL another judgment, says Peter John Lee.

Concussion? The original diagnosis was a hyperextension of the cervical spine. 

We’ll have more when updates are available.

UPDATE: Flyes beat reporter Frank Seravalli spoke to Giroux's agent, who said his client will visit Dr. Ted Carrick, the same guy who treated Sidney Crosby's concussion.

Carrick is a neurologist who specializes in concussions.

H/T to Broad Street Hockey