An 11-year-old boy died Tuesday in Saint-Eustache, northwest of Montreal, days after being hit with a puck in the neck during a minor hockey league practice.
The Saint-Eustache Police Department (SPVSE) confirmed the news of the boy’s death on Friday.
“We were saddened to learn of the death of a child this morning. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones,” the force’s press release said.
Following the incident at the Walter Buswell complex, the child was rushed to a Montreal hospital for treatment of his injuries.
SPVSE confirmed to CTV News on Friday that the boy suffered a blow to the neck, but has not yet said exactly when he died.
The city said in a post on its website that the boy was wearing the required protective equipment at the time of the incident, and Hockey Quebec confirmed that the neck guard is part of a player’s normal protective equipment.
People outside the arena on Friday told reporters that other young players were also shaken by the incident, adding that it was very difficult news to hear. The parents expressed their condolences to the family.
“I played hockey when I was little. I can’t believe this happened to such a young kid. He was fighting his whole life right in front of me. My condolences to the family. It must be a tough thing to go through.’ We wish them all the best,” one parent said outside the sports complex.
The incident is under investigation, but police say there is no reason to believe foul play was involved.
“Police have informed the coroner’s office and will assist in the investigation, which is still ongoing. The aim of the investigation is to determine the cause and circumstances of death,” the SPVSE news release continued.
Walter Buswell complex in Saint-Eustache. (Credit: Noovo Info)
‘Very rare’ accident
Luc De Garie is a sports medicine physician at the Institut National du Sport du Québec.
He said this type of hockey incident is rare but can still occur, especially now that protective equipment has improved.
“Children are playing in restricted areas with flying objects flying around, so unfortunately accidents can happen. Fatal accidents are very rare,” he told CTV News in an interview Friday. told.
“It does come with risks, so being as protected as possible reduces the chance of an unfortunate injury,” he added.
It was unclear which part of the boy’s neck was injured, but De Garry stressed that it was a commonly vulnerable area. In extreme cases, the speed of the pack can cause serious damage even with proper protection.
“Even if you hit a little bit in the wrong place at the wrong moment, it can be fatal in terms of injury. But that’s very rare,” explained de Garry.
Former NHL player and Quebec MP Enrico Ciccone agreed that incidents of this kind are extremely rare, calling it a “freak accident.”
“What kids are wearing today is the best technology. There’s a law that says you have to wear a neck guard and a protective face mask on the ice. Here in Quebec, that’s the law,” he explained.
under quebec Sports Safety Ensuring ActHockey players are required to wear safety helmets, full face protectors, and neck protectors, with some exceptions.
Ciccone added: “I don’t know how far we can go before we wait for expert recommendations.”
“Of course, we certainly need to bring the material to market to make sure there is always room for improvement. But of course we have to wait for the recommendations of experts on that.”
“Sadness without words”
Political leaders and the hockey association expressed shock at Friday’s tragic incident.
The Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association said in a press release that all of its members are “deeply saddened by this tragedy.”
Jean-Philippe Labreche, president of the association, said: “The last few days have been very emotional as we pay tribute to the solidarity shown by so many people. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences.”
Hockey Quebec also offered support to the young player’s family.
“We share the immense sadness of all those affected by this terrible tragedy and send them all our thoughts and support,” said Jocelyn Thibault, General Director of Hockey Quebec and the Management Council. said Friday’s statement signed by the association’s president, Claude Fortin.
Quebec Sports Minister Isabelle Charest said in a social media post that she was “devastated” to learn of the boy’s death, calling it “sad beyond words.”
“My condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates,” she wrote.
Canadian Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough also expressed her condolences to the boy’s family on Friday.
“As the parents of an 11-year-old, Elon and I cannot imagine the immense sadness and grief that this family, this team, and all of the people of Saint-Eustache are experiencing. We send our deepest condolences. ” she wrote in the post of.
The City of Saint-Eustache confirmed that psychosocial support is being provided to the player’s teammates and loved ones.
“We are all affected by this news. We are currently committed to supporting the loved ones of our communities and families most directly affected by this situation. On behalf of myself and the city council, we extend our best wishes to the young athlete and his family,” Mayor Pierre Charon said in a statement released Thursday before the boy’s death. ing.
The Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association advises anyone in need of assistance to call 811 or sports aid Call 1-833-211-2433.
Use files from Noovo Info
