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Update: Red Deer’s Ryan Vandervlis remains in critical condition in hospital after firepit explosion

WHL and families issue a statement on Friday night incident that injured three Lethbridge Hurricanes
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Lethbridge Hurricane Ryan Vandervlis, 20, of Red Deer is in hospital recovering from various injuries after an incident. (File Photo)

Former Red Deer Rebel Ryan Vandervlis remains in critical condition after he and two Lethbridge Hurricanes teammates were injured in a Friday night explosion as a campfire was being lit.

The WHL and the Hurricanes issued a joint statement on Monday morning reporting that Vandervlis, who is from Red Deer and was badly burned, has been placed in a medically induced coma. Alfaro and Bellerive are in stable condition.

Cochrane RCMP said the three were injured when a substance was placed in a firepit causing an explosion in Rockyview County, 10 kms east of Cochrane. Three people near the firepit sustained burn injuries and were rushed to a Calgary area hospital.

Initial reports that the incident happened during a bachelor party are not correct, says the league.

“The campfire occurred at the family home of WHL alumnus Tyler Wong the evening prior to a planned day of golf.”

Statements from the Vandervlis and Wong families were included in the statement.

“We want to be clear that alcohol was not a factor in this incident,” says the Vandervlis family.

“(Ryan) is receiving exceptional medical care on an intensive care unit in Calgary, where he remains in critical condition.

“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we have received and pray that Ryan will make a full recovery.”

The Wong family says that nine of Tyler’s friends had come to the house to spend the night before going golfing and camping the following day.

“In starting a campfire, the accident occurred. Mr and Mrs. Wong were present and acted quickly to transport those injured to a Calgary hospital.

“We are earnestly praying for three of Tyler’s friends — Ryan, Jordy and Matt — along with their families, for comfort and healing during this time of hurt,” say the Wongs.

WHL commissioner Ron Robison says the “entire WHL family is deeply concerned for the well-being of the three players involved in the accident that occurred Friday evening.

“The WHL has been in contact with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and will continue to support the club and the families concerned during the recovery process.”

Lethbridge Huricanes general manager Peter Anholt will speak at a news conference on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Lethbridge’s Enmax Centre.

Sentiments poured in from across the WHL for the injured players over the weekend. Former Hurricane and current Red Deer Rebel, Josh Tarzwell a Red Deer native said on twitter, “Thoughts and prayers are with the @WHLHurricanes organization in this time of tragedy. Love all you boys.”

Bellerive, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, is expected to make a full recovery according to reports from the team.



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