Rangers Ben Fanelli in critical condition after huge hit

Alfie11 · 10-31-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Kitchener Rangers' defenceman Ben Fanelli is listed in critical but stable condition in Hamilton General hospital after being injured by a devastating hit during Friday night's OHL game between the Rangers and Erie Otters.

The 16-year old Fanelli was rushed to Grand River Hospital in Kitchener then airlifted to Hamilton General after being driven into the endboards by Erie's Michael Liambas half way through the second period.

The Oakville, Ontario native's head hit the glass while his helmet flew into the air before Fanelli hit the ice hard. Blood pooled on the ice from cuts above Fanelli's eyebrow and face. The game was delayed for 40 minutes as Fanelli was attended to and placed in an ambulance.

Fanelli's parents were among the 6,000 spectators at the Kitchener Auditorium. Fanelli's mother reportedly fainted and had to be revived following the incident.

Kitchener Rangers Chief Operating Officer Steve Bienkowski stated that Fanelli was conscious when the ambulance was taking him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with skull and facial fractures including a broken orbital bone.

"Ben's parents and family experienced something that we all wish would never happen", said Bienkowski in a statement on Saturday. "Their focus and concern for their son needs to be respected. I can't stress enough the need to respect their privacy and that all media inquires and announcements will be made through the Rangers organization. Our immediate focus will be to assist the Fanelli family and our players as we all deal with Ben's injuries."

Liambas, who was ejected from the game and given a match penalty for boarding, was reportedly very shaken up by the incident.

Kitchener's Fanelli in critical condition after on ice hit

YouTube - Scary: Kitchener Ranger hockey player brutally hit

Matt the Aussie · 10-31-2009, 01:50 PM

Yeah, I heard about this on the local news...not good at all

JoshLind · 10-31-2009, 03:03 PM

Fractured skull and fractured orbital bone. Here's hoping for a full recovery and peace of mind for him and his family!

SenatorArmy · 10-31-2009, 06:27 PM

here isa better look at it

YouTube - Liambus hit on Fanelli

Jasmine · 10-31-2009, 07:41 PM

Very disturbing to watch...

RickM67 · 10-31-2009, 07:44 PM

There too many of these hits with serious injuries of late. where is the respect for each other out there???

InsaneSkippy · 10-31-2009, 08:52 PM

Wow poor guy!

My GF's cousin is actually a goalie for the Erie Otters.

Jasmine · 10-31-2009, 11:11 PM

The Kitchener Rangers organization would like to provide an update on the condition of Ben Fanelli who was injured during the Rangers game on Friday, October 30th against the Erie Otters.

Ben was conscious and transported to Grand River Hospital then immediately air lifted to Hamilton General Hospital.

As of early this morning he is in intensive care and listed in critical but stable condition.

Kitchener Rangers Major Junior A Hockey Club. Ontario Hockey League. Kitchener, Ontario

Rayzor123 · 10-31-2009, 11:16 PM

Jeff Marek said earlier tonight he is breathing on his own now, so he's making progress.

Jasmine · 10-31-2009, 11:18 PM

Thats positive news...thanks Rayzor

BMW · 11-01-2009, 12:31 AM

WOW, very scary..

I wonder what went through the parents minds

cause he looked dead to me on the ice..

Alfie11 · 11-01-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW

WOW, very scary..

I wonder what went through the parents minds

cause he looked dead to me on the ice..

His mother fainted

Matt the Aussie · 11-01-2009, 12:58 PM

Look at the way the Erie player extends his forearms and elbow to make sure he doesn't miss, and because he's trying to escape, the hit ends up being directed at his head.

Rayzor123 · 11-01-2009, 12:59 PM

Apparently, the Lake Erie player can't sleep because of this incident at night...

Matt the Aussie · 11-01-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayzor123

Apparently, the Lake Erie player can't sleep because of this incident at night...

The Erie Otters are actually from Erie, Pennsylvania. They don't come from the lake.

stylizer1 · 11-02-2009, 12:11 AM

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Originally Posted by Matt the Aussie

Look at the way the Erie player extends his forearms and elbow to make sure he doesn't miss, and because he's trying to escape, the hit ends up being directed at his head.

That was one pretty clean hit.

_13_ · 11-02-2009, 06:28 AM

Although it looks like a clean hit to me, it was too aggressive IMHO. I don't see the need to try and kill each other, hit to hurt, don't hit to maim.

Jasmine · 11-02-2009, 06:32 AM

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Originally Posted by stylizer1

That was one pretty clean hit.

Yeah..so clean that the guy is in the intensive care unit with a fractured skull...

Matt the Aussie · 11-02-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _13_

Although it looks like a clean hit to me, it was too aggressive IMHO. I don't see the need to try and kill each other, hit to hurt, don't hit to maim.

I agree.

There's no need to fly in on the end boards like that. As I said above, I don't think this guy's intention is to hit him in the head but it ends up that way because of his speed and his form.

stylizer1 · 11-02-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasmine

Yeah..so clean that the guy is in the intensive care unit with a fractured skull...

If you take the emotion out of it it's still was a clean hit. It was the kid you got hit's fault for not protecting himself by turning his back and bending over.