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Former ICE player injured in fire
A former Kootenay ICE player is in stable condition in a Calgary hospital after being injured while igniting a campfire June 15 along with two current Lethbridge Hurricanes players.
Matt Alfaro, who played 243 games with the ICE from 2013 to 2017, when he was traded to the Hurricanes, is listed in stable condition along with current star player and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive.
Hurricanes centre and Red Deer resident Ryan Vandervlis has been placed in a medically-induced coma and is in critical condition.
The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and Western Hockey League this morning announced they are deeply saddened by the events involving the two Hurricanes players and WHL Alumnus Alfaro.
“It has been reported that the campfire occurred during a bachelor party. These reports are inaccurate. The campfire occurred at the family home of WHL Alumnus Tyler Wong the evening prior to a planned day of golf,” the joint statement pointed out.
“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,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.
The Vandervlis family also issued a statement: “Our son and brother, Ryan Vandervlis, was injured at a campfire this past weekend. We want to be clear that alcohol was not a factor in this accident. Ryan is in a medically-induced coma as he suffered severe burns to his body. He is receiving exceptional medical care in 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 incident occurred in Bearspaw, located between Cochrane and Calgary, Alberta.
Lead image of Matt Alfaro from Lethbridge Hurricanes
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