Hurricane remains in induced com a
Three players injured in campfire incident
Ryan Vandervlis remains in critical condition at a Calgary hospital, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, the WHL and his family confirmed in an updated joint statement Monday.
“The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and Western Hockey League are deeply saddened by the events involving two Hurricanes players — Jordy Bellerive and Ryan Vandervlis — and WHL Alumnus Matt Alfaro,” a media release states.
Alfaro, Bellerive and Vandervlis suffered various injuries resulting from an incident involving the starting of a campfire Friday night.
All three are being treated for their injuries at a hospital in Calgary. Alfaro and Bellerive are in stable condition, while Vandervlis has been placed in a medically-induced coma and is in critical condition.
The WHL and the Hurricanes also want to clarify: “It has been reported that the campfire occurred during a bachelor party. These reports are inaccurate. The campfire occurred at the family home of WHL alumnus Tyler Wong the evening prior to a planned day of golf.
“On Friday evening, nine of Tyler's friends came to our house to stay the night as they were planning to go golfing and camping on Saturday,” says a statement from the Wong family.
“It was not a stag or bachelor party, as has been inaccurately reported. In starting a campfire, the accident occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Wong were present and acted quickly to transport those injured to a Calgary hospital.
“We are earnestly praying for three of Tyler's closest friends — Ryan, Jordy and Matt — along with their families, for comfort and healing during this time of hurt.”
“Our son and brother, Ryan Vandervlis, was injured at a campfire this past weekend,” says a statement from the Vandervlis family.
“We want to be clear that alcohol was not a factor in this accident. Ryan is in a medically-induced coma as he suffered severe burns to his body. He is receiving exceptional medical care in an intensivecare unit in Calgary where he remains in critical condition. We are grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we have received and pray that Ryan will make a full recovery.”
“The entire WHL family is deeply concerned for the well-being of the three players involved in the accident that occurred Friday evening,” says a statement from WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.
“The WHL has been in contact with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and will continue to support the club and the families concerned during the recovery process.”
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will hold a media conference with general manager Peter Anholt today. Cochrane RCMP also continue to investigate the incident.
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