As has already been reported by CTV News and the Ottawa Citizen, Smiths Falls Bears forward Neil Doef suffered a severe injury on Sunday afternoon at the World Junior “A” Challenge in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
In the first period of Canada East’s tournament opener against Switzerland, Neil Doef collided with a Swiss defenseman beside the Swiss net and crashed awkwardly into the boards. The 17 year-old was taken off the ice on a stretcher, and subsequently transported to hospital in Saskatoon.
Doef underwent surgery on Sunday evening, and his parents were flown out to Saskatchewan on Monday morning. As per Hockey Canada, Doef is resting comfortably in hospital with his parents.
Doef was midway through his second full season in the Junior “A” CCHL with the Smiths Falls Bears when he received the call-up to Team Canada East for the annual WJAC, a season which saw him really come into his own as an offensive weapon for Mark Grady’s team. Doef had already eclipsed his point total from 2013-14 this season in twenty fewer games, and committed to play collegiate hockey for Princeton University back in January.
While the prognosis – if there is a clear one – is being understandably guarded, the video of the incident did not look good.
The eastern Ontario hockey community has risen on social media to raise awareness, and a donation fund has been started in the hope of helping the Doef family in what is sure to be a long, arduous challenge. A trust fund has also been set up by Neil Doef’s CCHL team, the Smiths Falls Bears, and donations to it can be made at any Scotiabank branch.
A Twitter page and Facebook group have also been started for people who want to send their best wishes to the Doef family personally.
The hockey community is one of the most tightly-knit in eastern Ontario, and while it may seem to be a terribly bleak situation at the moment, the outpouring of support from across the region has ensured that Doef and his family will not have to face the task of rehabilitation alone.
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