On Friday, La Presse conveyed a sorrowful incident involving a young 11-year-old player who tragically lost his life after an unintentional puck impact during his team's practice on Tuesday. Authorities swiftly responded to the emergency call at Complexe Walter-Buswell around 7 p.m. that Tuesday evening, dispatching ambulances to the scene. Despite being transferred to an intensive care unit in a Montreal hospital, the boy couldn't overcome his injuries.
The Saint-Eustache Police Department confirmed the preteen's passing on Friday, extending condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones in an unsigned statement. The suburb, located northwest of Montreal, expressed solidarity with the grieving community.
An investigation labeled the incident as "an unfortunate accident," clarifying that the boy was properly equipped with all necessary protective gear, including neck guards.
This heartbreaking event follows closely on the heels of the tragic demise of Adam Johnson, an American hockey player who lost his life in October after a skate blade cut his neck during a Challenge Cup game. The former NHL forward, playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers, succumbed to the injury at the age of 29.
Jean-Philippe Labrèche, president of the Saint-Eustache minor hockey association, issued information for those seeking assistance after this traumatic incident. He strongly urged those affected to reach out to 811 or Sport'Aide at 1-833-211-2433 for support, acknowledging the profound impact on witnesses, parents, volunteers, and all who support young hockey players.
