Broncos’ Matechuk is making progress: family
Crash survivor suffered brain injury and ‘the journey ahead will not be easy’
Family members of surviving Bronco player Layne Matechuk report he’s making progress in his recovery after the April 6 bus crash that cost 16 lives.
On Friday, family members issued a statement relaying the news about his condition, but noted his road to recovery will not be an easy one. In the statement, they indicated their family was “forever changed” by the tragic crash that rocked Saskatchewan and all of Canada.
“After spending the first month in a coma, Layne is now awake and making steady progress,” the statement indicated. “He has suffered from a brain injury and the journey ahead will not be easy. He has not yet been able to speak. However, each day, he gets a little stronger and we are getting signs from him about what he is thinking.”
Issued through the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the statement indicates that Matechuk does not appear to know what happened.
“And while we see his frustration, we also see his determination,” the family statement indicated. “Layne has always had to work hard to achieve his success. While growing up, as other kids played after school, he would be at the rink working toward his dream of playing hockey. It was all he ever wanted to do. And for a while, he lived that dream.”
Layne, who was being treated at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, has now been transported to City Hospital to start the next part of his rehabilitation. The family noted they have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from relatives, friends and strangers, including those who participated in a bike rally for Matechuk earlier this month.
“And while we may not be publicly visible with Layne and his story, we wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been by Layne’s side, and our side, these past three months,” the family noted. “It means so much to us that you continue to think of Layne and that you care about him.”
The family also thanked all of the medical staff and those who came to see him while he is receiving care. While the family noted the road ahead won’t be easy, they still have hope, indicating: “#believe is the word we are holding onto these days.”
“We wish we could tell you it is getting easier. The reality is — it’s not. At this point, we are not sure when Layne will get to leave hospital. But, what we can tell you is that we believe he gets a little closer every day,” the statement indicated, noting Matechuk is a determined person.
“Layne’s coach talked about this often. He believed the team was not a fifth place team, but a No. 1 team. He told the players that they had to believe in order to accomplish something,” the statement indicated.
It continued: “Today, we #believe. We #believe the strength and determination that brought Layne success on the ice will bring him success in the months and years ahead. We ask that you continue to send your prayers and support to him — and to think of him. And most of all, we ask that you #believe with him and us.”
Numerous members of the Broncos were recently brought to Las Vegas to participate in the 2018 NHL Awards. There, Bronco’s coach Darcy Haugan, who was killed in the crash, was awarded the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award for his work bettering his community through the sport of hockey.
And while we may not be publicly visible with Layne and his story, we wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been by Layne’s side, and our side, these past three months.