Straka injures back in Czech Republic Jul 23, 2002 6:49 PM (EDT) PITTSBURGH (AP) - Penguins forward Martin Straka, who missed most of last season due to a series of injuries, injured his back while training in the Czech Republic. The Penguins did not describe the nature of his latest injury or how it happened, but two Czech hockey publications reported that Straka, 29, was lifting weights with Penguins teammate Milan Kraft when a machine with 374 pounds fell on top of him. Straka's agent, Rich Winter, said the injury should take six weeks to heal and Straka will be ready for the beginning of the season. The Penguins said team doctor Charles Burke has been talking to the doctor who is treating the left wing in the Czech Republic. Straka played only 13 games last season after breaking his leg twice and breaking a bone above his left eye. Straka was second on the team and tied for fourth in the league in points the season before.
