The community of Saint-Eustache is shocked by a tragic incident that occurred at their local arena on Tuesday when a young 11-year-old ice hockey player took a puck to the neck. Since then he has been between life and death in the intensive care unit.
Posted at 7:13 p.m.
Saint-Eustache police say an emergency call to 9-1-1 for medical assistance was received at the Walter Buswell complex on Arthur Sauvé Boulevard around 7 p.m. last Tuesday.
An 11-year-old boy had just received a puck in the neck area during regular ice hockey practice. There was still fear for his life Thursday evening as he was taken to the intensive care unit of a Montreal hospital.
So far, the investigation suggests that it was an “unfortunate accident,” according to the police. “Our thoughts are with the families of the young hockey players involved in this sad event,” he added.
In collaboration with the City of Saint-Eustache, Hockey Québec and the CISSS des Laurentides, the Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association has set up “psychological support and support resources” to help, in particular, witnesses to the incident.
“We understand the impact of this event on those who witnessed it, as well as on parents, volunteers and everyone who supports our young hockey players,” wrote its president Jean-Philippe Labrèche in a federation press release.
In addition, the latter “strongly encourages” all its members who feel the need to contact the various assistance services, including 811 or Sport'Aide at 1-833-211-2433, for assistance.
The mayor of the city of Saint-Eustache, Pierre Charron, also wanted to publicly express his support for the seriously injured boy, as well as his family and all the people affected by this sad event.
“We were all touched by this news. All of our energy is currently focused on supporting the community and the families most affected by this situation. On behalf of myself and the council, I send all my positive thoughts to this young athlete and his family,” he said in a press release on Thursday.