11-year-old player dies after getting struck by a puck during practice

La Presse has reported on Friday that a young player, just 11 years old, has died after he was accidentally hit by a puck during his team’s practice on Tuesday. Authorities were called to the Complexe Walter-Buswell around 7 p.m. Tuesday and ambulances rushed to the scene. The boy was later transferred to an intensive care unit at a Montreal hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

"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."

News of the preteen’s death was confirmed by the Saint-Eustache Police Department on Friday. Saint-Eustache is a suburb northwest of Montreal. The city made this statement: 

"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."

Multiple media have reported that the boy was hit in the neck, though it has not been confirmed by officials at the moment. 

Following an investigation, police described the boy’s injury as “an unfortunate accident”. Investigators also found he was wearing all the required protective equipment. Neck guards are part of a player’s regular protective equipment.

This takes place just weeks after the tragic death of Adam Johnson, an American hockey player, died after his neck was cut by a skate blade in October. The former NHL forward was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he was injured mid-match. The arena was emptied as ambulances responded to the scene and Johnson was rushed to the local hospital. He was later pronounced dead, at just 29 years old.

Jean-Philippe Labrèche, the president of the Saint-Eustache minor hockey association has put out the information for anyone needing help following this traumatic incident. He “strongly” encouraged those affected by the event to call 811 or Sport’Aide at 1-833-211-2433 for support.

“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 said in his statement.

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