The young hockey player, only 11 years old, who was hit by a puck in the neck on Tuesday during his team’s training at the Saint-Eustache arena, succumbed to his injuries.
This was confirmed by the Saint-Eustache Police Department in a press release released Friday, offering its most sincere condolences to the people closely affected by this affair. “All our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, teammates and the Eustachian sporting community,” also argued the Saint-Eustache police.
A call was made to 911 last Tuesday around 7 p.m. for medical assistance at the Walter-Buswell Complex, located on Arthur-Sauvé Boulevard. An 11-year-old boy had just received a puck in the neck during ice hockey practice. He was rushed to intensive care in a Montreal hospital, where until now there was still fear for his life. His death was confirmed on Friday.
Subsequently, the coroner’s office will assist the local police force in the investigation, which is still ongoing to shed light on the causes and circumstances of the young victim’s death.
Everything tends to show that it was an “unfortunate accident”, according to the police force, which excludes any criminal element in this case. The authorities also confirmed that the young hockey player was wearing all the required protective equipment at the time of the incident.
“Extremely emotional” moments
Reactions were quick to follow after the news was announced on Friday. “We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy which shakes all the members of our association. I salute the solidarity that many have shown over the last few days, which have been extremely emotional,” immediately reacted the president of the Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association, Jean-Philippe Labrèche.
In recent days, his group had put in place psychological support and support resources to help, in particular, witnesses of the accident. “We understand the impact of this event on those who witnessed it, as well as on the parents, volunteers and all those who support our young hockey players,” said Mr. Labrèche.
“We send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young Eustace hockey player who died earlier today. We share the immense sadness of all the people affected by this terrible tragedy and we send them all our thoughts and our support,” noted Jocelyn Thibault and Claude Fortin, respectively general director and president of Hockey Québec.
On the political scene, the Minister responsible for Sports, Isabelle Charest, spoke of “a sadness without words”. “I am devastated to learn of the young hockey player’s death. I offer all my condolences and thoughts to the family, friends and teammates. » The local Bloc Québécois MP, Luc Desilets, also spoke of a “tragic, upsetting accident”.
All people who feel the need are invited to call the various help services, including 811 or Sport’Aide at 1 833 211-2433, in order to obtain support.