COLE CUSITAR UPDATE

Midway though the third period of last night's game between Churchbridge and Esterhazy, a serious injury occurred.

There was a face off in the Esterhazy end with the Imperials on a 5-on-3 power play.  Off the draw, an Esterhazy player skated up the ice with the puck and the Imperials goaltender made a save, resulting in a stoppage.  At the other end of the ice was a Churchbridge player down (Cole Cusitar) and an Esterhazy player frantically waving his arms and screaming for help.

Cole Cusitar was, quickly, carried off the ice and directly taken to a vehicle in the back of the rink where he was rushed to hospital suffering from a wide and deep cut under his jaw line, up high on the neck.

After a brief delay, the Churchbridge players wanted to complete the game but upon learning STARS Air Ambulance had been summoned, the game was immediately called off with 6:55 remaining in the third.

Upon discussion, it's believed Cole Cusitar fell to the ice after the draw and the blade of another player's skate on the back stride came in accidental contact with Cole's neck area.

In discussing this with people close to the situation, the cut was just over 1/2" away from his jugular vein and it was later decided STARS was not needed.  Cole was taken by ambulance to Yorkton where he was treated and it was reported that as of 9:30 Sunday morning he was out of the OR and has escaped a, potentially, fatal tragedy.

Imperial players have already stated they will all wear neck guards from here on out and the SaskEast Hockey League is also strongly suggesting and encouraging all on-ice players and officials to do the same.  

One incident like this is one too many.

Special thanks to all people who acted very, very quickly last night.  You are all part of the reason why this wasn't worse.

Thank you, as well, to all who have reached out wondering about Cole's condition.