Tragic News As An 11-Year Old Hockey Player Passes Away During A Practice
Tragedy struck in Saint-Eustache, a suburb northwest of Montreal, as an 11-year-old hockey player lost his life after being accidentally hit by a puck during a routine practice. Authorities responded to the incident at Complexe Walter-Buswell on Tuesday evening, and despite swift efforts to transfer the boy to an intensive care unit in a Montreal hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Saint-Eustache Police Department confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday, extending condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and the Saint-Eustache sporting community.
"Tuesday evening, during hockey practice, an 11-year-old boy was accidentally hit by a puck while participating in a regular exercise," police said. "It is with regret that we were informed of the child's death."
"We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones," the unsigned statement read. "All our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, teammates and the Saint-Eustache sporting community."
While multiple reports suggest the boy was struck in the neck, official confirmation is pending. Police, after an investigation, characterized the incident as "an unfortunate accident," noting that the young player was wearing all the necessary protective equipment, including neck guards.
This tragic event comes on the heels of the death of American hockey player Adam Johnson in October, who lost his life when his neck was cut by a skate blade during a Challenge Cup game. Jean-Philippe Labrèche
, president of the Saint-Eustache minor hockey association, offered support for those affected, urging them to reach out to 811 or Sport'Aide at 1-833-211-2433.
«We understand the impact of this event on those who witnessed it, as well as on parents, volunteers and all those who support our young hockey players,»
Labrèche stated.