EDMONTON — A 16-year-old hockey player has died after taking a puck to the neck during a game in Edmonton, his team said Sunday.
The South Side Athletic Club announced the tragic news in a statement posted on their website Sunday night, following several hours of conflicting reports on the teen’s status.
It said Kyle Fundytus passed away after being struck by a puck in a game on Saturday.
Marg Brownoff, registrar for the team, told The Canadian Press earlier Sunday that the teen died after spending Saturday night in hospital on life support.
However, a spokesman with the Alberta Health Services said later that the boy was still alive and remained in critical condition.
Greg Kennedy said he couldn’t make further comments on the boy’s status because the parents had withdrawn their consent for the release of information.
The team’s statement says Fundytus had been with the club for four years, and that it was his second year in the Northern Alberta Midget Hockey League.
“Kyle was a model player and a dedicated teammate. His passion and enthusiasm for the game and life exemplifies traits of not just a great hockey player, but also a great person,” the statement said.
“Kyle’s sudden passing has shocked family, friends, and the hockey community. Kyle will be deeply missed by all.”
The statement called Fundytus “one of the leaders” of the team.
Hockey Alberta has been notified of the incident.
The team says there are plans to establish a Kyle Fundytus Memorial Scholarship.