We witnessed two distressing scenes in the hockey world last night.
As we reported Friday evening, former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly suffered a concerning incident live from Buffalo during the game between the Sabres and Patrick Roy’s New York Islanders.
Another very worrying scene occurred in the QMJHL, live from Baie-Comeau, during the matchup between the Drakkar and the Gatineau Olympiques.
All our thoughts are with Justin Blais and his loved ones
Journalist reported what happened:
A very concerning scene in Baie-Comeau: the head of Justin Blais from the Olympiques hit the ice as he fell during a scuffle. He went into convulsions and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Fortunately, he was conscious as he left. Thoughts are with the Olympiques.
Blais was then taken out on a stretcher, and the game was immediately stopped. It ended 8-2 for Baie-Comeau.
We recommend the excellent article by Yanick St-Denis, available here:
We also acknowledge Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s post on the incident and for announcing the game result, a message filled with class and sportsmanship.
This speaks volumes about the organization.
The Olympiques released a medical update:
Justin Blais was transported to a local hospital as a precaution for further examinations. He is alert and responsive.
We send our best wishes and a ton of positive energy to Justin Blais and Mike Reilly this morning, hoping for a full and speedy recovery.
These are always difficult images to watch, and we can’t begin to imagine the worry their loved ones must feel when this happens.