North Dakota freshman forward Brock Nelson left the NCAA semifinal game against Michigan on a stretcher after crashing into the boards with his back, and he was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

Nelson was hurt midway through the first period Thursday night after making a pass and getting hit cleanly but hard from the side by Wolverines captain Luke Glendening. Nelson lost his balance at full speed and tumbled toward the boards, slamming against them with his back. Nelson sustained a lower-body injury, a school spokesman said.

Coach Dave Hakstol said after the 2-0 loss to the Wolverines that he didn't have an update on Nelson's condition.

"It's disappointing we couldn't get a win for him," teammate Derrick LaPoint said.

Nelson was flat on the ice in pain for a few minutes before climbing to all fours, with movement in all of his extremities, but he was wobbly and not ready to rise. Medical staff members then helped immobilize him and carry him off, as the crowd at Xcel Energy Center gave Nelson a standing ovation.

From Warroad, Minn., he has eight goals and 13 assists this season for the Fighting Sioux.