Outlooks & Setbacks Saturdays

“Perhaps we can finally accept that we will never be able to fully understand our own existence. Nonetheless, Kurt Vonnegut gives us good advice on how to live fully within that uncertainty: “A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ― Brian Klaas

EDMONTON — A 16-year-old minor hockey player has died after a fluke on-ice accident.

Article content

Kyle Fundytus died Sunday morning, said Bruce Kirby, administrator for the northern Alberta Midget AA Hockey League.

Article content

“It’s a sombre day,” said Kirby, who knew Fundytus and his father, the team manager. “The family want to keep things quiet for now.”

Article content

Article content

A spokesman for Alberta Health Services said earlier in the day that Fundytus was still in hospital in critical condition. The teen’s parents later asked that updates not be made public.

He was rushed to hospital from the Clareview arena Saturday after he was struck in the neck with a puck around 3:30 p.m. while blocking a shot.

Article content

The Southside Athletic Club Don Wheaton Midget AA centre was hurt during the third period of a game against the Maple Leaf Athletic Club Raylin MFG.

Article content

A statement on the club’s website described Kyle as a “model player and a dedicated teammate.”

Article content

“His passion and enthusiasm for the game and life exemplifies traits of not just a great hockey player, but also a great person. Kyle’s sudden passing has shocked family, friends, and the hockey community. Kyle will be deeply missed by all,” the statement continued.

Article content

“It wasn’t even that hard of a shot. It was a solid shot from the point [and it] hit him in a fluky spot, I guess,” said one witness who asked not to be identified.

Article content

Friends and teammates of Fundytus took to Twitter Saturday evening to send him their best wishes. By late Sunday morning, the messages had turned to notes of grief and condolence following numerous unconfirmed reports he had died.

Article content

Article content

“To a line mate, a fellow captain, a teammate, and a brother, you will not be forgotten,” one friend wrote on the social networking website.

Article content

Several others claiming to know Fundytus posted messages of sympathy.

Article content

“Heartbreaking,” one person posted. “Praying from family and friends, teammates of Kyle.”

Article content

The former president of the Southside Athletic Club, Greg Krawchuk, said he received an unconfirmed message that Fundytus died of his injuries Sunday morning.

Article content

“It’s a terrible tragedy. It’s a terrible fluke accident.”

Article content

Krawchuk said that while players at the midget level must wear neck protection, the guards aren’t designed to stop a fast-moving puck.

Article content

“They have to wear mandatory protection. They’re not allowed on the ice without it,” he said. “Neck guards are made to protect from skates and sticks, and not made to protect you against a high-impact [puck] hit.”

Article content

The club said it plans to establish a Kyle Fundytus Memorial Scholarship.

Article content

Edmonton Journal

Dangerous Situations

What is a fluke accident that has somehow impacted you