Saskatchewan senior hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) recently shared details of a terrifying incident that occurred during one of its games over the weekend. A player from the Churchbridge Imperials was seriously injured after being struck with a skate, resulting in a near-fatal accident.
The unfortunate event took place during the third period of a game between the Imperials and Esterhazy Flyers on December 7th. The Imperials were on a power-play when the incident occurred, with an Esterhazy player accidentally making contact with the Churchbridge player’s neck area with his skate blade.
The injured player, Cole Cusitar, was quickly attended to and taken to the hospital as he was suffering from a deep and wide cut under his jawline, high on his neck. The cut was just half an inch away from a major vein, highlighting the severity of the situation. Fortunately, Cusitar underwent surgery and managed to escape what could have been a fatal tragedy.
Following the incident, the Churchbridge Imperials announced that their players would be wearing neck guards as a safety precaution. The SEHL also strongly encouraged all players and officials to do the same, emphasizing the importance of player safety on the ice.
The game was immediately called off with less than seven minutes remaining in the third period after it was confirmed that STARS Air Ambulance had been called. Although the air ambulance service was ultimately not needed, the league expressed gratitude towards everyone who assisted Cusitar during the accident.
Incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in the sport of hockey and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure player safety. The SEHL’s prompt response and the quick actions of those involved likely prevented a more tragic outcome.
As the hockey community rallies around Cusitar during his recovery, it is evident that the well-being of players remains a top priority. The league’s proactive measures to promote safety on the ice are commendable, and serve as a reminder that one incident is one too many when it comes to player injuries.
