ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose voiced over SportsCenter’s Suns/Pacers highlight this morning (Jan. 14), with special focus on Steve Nash, a native of Canada, like Melrose. Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, was elbowed during the game, received seven stitches, and returned to action.

Melrose said Nash is really a “hockey player in a basketball player’s body.” He later added, “everybody in the United States should cheer for Steve Nash.”

Nash and the Suns visit the Atlanta Hawks Friday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Misc background info

According to ESPN’s research team, this is not the first time Nash has faced bumps, cuts and bruises throughout his career. Additional instances:

Dec. 12, 2007 vs. Utah – Nash chipped his tooth when he took an inadvertent forearm from Carlos Boozer (note: despite an injury, he conducted a halftime interview with an ESPN reporter).

May 14, 2007 vs. San Antonio – With just 18 seconds left in the game, Nash was body-checked by Robert Horry, forcing Nash off the court and into the lower padding of the scorer’s table.

May 12, 2007 vs. San Antonio – Nash was kneed in the groin by Bruce Bowen, a foul later upgraded to a “flagrant foul 1.”

May 6, 2007 vs. San Antonio – Nash received six stitches on his nose following a head-on collision with Tony Parker.

May 28, 2006 vs. Dallas – Nash was cut on his temple when elbowed by Jason Terry.

Dec. 4, 2003 vs. L.A. Lakers – Nash was struck by an elbow from Karl Malone, causing a bloodied mouth and loose teeth.