WHL player makes progress in hospital
WHL star and Montreal Canadiens prospect Tim Bozon remains in critical condition at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital after being diagnosed with Neisseria meningitis earlier this month.
Bozon is “stable but improving,” according to the Saskatoon Health Region. The 19-year-old has been in a coma and doctors are working to slowly wake him, the SHR stated in an update issued at the request of his parents Philippe (a former NHL player) and Helene.
According to the SHR, Bozon’s family “has indicated that Tim has responded to verbal stimuli.” Due to a large number of inquiries, the WHL has set up a trust fund to help the Bozons with medical and rehabilitation costs beyond what insurance will cover. Details will be released by the WHL in the coming days, the SHR said.
Bozon, a third-round pick for the Habs in 2012, was hospitalized March 1, one night after he scored a goal for the Kootenay Ice in a 4-2 win over the Saskatoon Blades at Credit Union Centre.
Bozon’s parents arrived from their home in France the day after he was admitted.
Meningitis can progress very rapidly after onset, according to Dr. Shovita Padhi, the deputy medical health officer for the Saskatoon Health Region.
However, the illness, which causes an inflammation of the lining of the brain, usually isn’t contracted easily.
“Essentially what we say is you need to swap spit,” she said, citing examples such as sharing drinks and eating utensils.
Padhi said meningitis is a reportable disease according to the Public Health Act, meaning physicians must document all cases.
Once a case is reported, there is an investigation to determine those that have come in close contact.
No other players have been hospitalized with related symptoms.
Bozon, who competed for France at the 2013 men’s world championship, has 105 goals and 231 points in 203 WHL games. He is 33rd in league scoring this season with 33 goals and 69 points in 63 games.