P-Bruins goaltender Jordan Sigalet continues to battle MS.

The providence journal / Glenn Osmundson

PROVIDENCE — There is cautiously optimistic news concerning the condition of Providence Bruins goaltender Jordan Sigalet, who collapsed during the third period of Friday night’s game with the Worcester Sharks.

Sigalet, who has waged a four-year battle against multiple sclerosis while continuing his hockey career, fell to the ice midway through that period, and was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital.

“He’s definitely stable,” said Sigalet’s brother Jonathan, who is a P-Bruins defenseman. “But it’s attributed to his MS. But they can’t quite pinpoint what caused him to collapse. With that disease, it varies from person to person. There are so many different triggers.”

Sigalet, a three-year pro who was first diagnosed with the disease during his senior season at Bowling Green University, is expected to remain at the hospital for a few days while doctors try to ascertain the problem.

“They’re running a lot of MRIs and x-rays,” said Jonathan, “trying to figure out exactly what’s going on. As of now, he still has some numbness and weakness in his lower body. But every time I see him, he seems to be doing a little better, which is a good sign. Hopefully, he’ll be out next week, and walking around.”

Providence coach Scott Gordon said that the team has rallied around Jordan. “Obviously, everybody’s concerned for him and wants the best for him,” he said. “(You see) the impact he has in our room. We give out that (yellow) hard hat after a win, and the last two (wins), it’s gone to him. He’s a guy who’s well-respected in our locker room. We’re all hoping that it turns around quickly for him.”

That goes especially for Jonathan, who is five years younger than his brother, but has been his teammate at both Bowling Green and in Providence for the past five seasons. He put aside his concern for Jordan enough to play effectively for the P-Bruins in the two games since Friday.

“Saturday was definitely tough,” he said. “Growing up, and even today, he’s always been a guy I’ve looked up to, and a role model for me. So to see him in such a debilitating state, was tough. But he’s a strong-willed kid. He’s come through it before, and I expect him to come through it again.”