Statement on Incident Involving Hurricanes Players, Alumnus
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and the Western Hockey League are deeply saddened by the events involving two Hurricanes players – Jordy Bellerive and Ryan Vandervlis – and WHL Alumnus Matt Alfaro.
Alfaro, Bellerive and Vandervlis suffered various injuries resulting from an incident involving a campfire on the evening of Friday, June 15th. All three are currently being treated for their injuries at a hospital in Calgary.
It has been reported that the campfire occurred during a bachelor party. These reports are inaccurate. The campfire occurred at the family home of WHL Alumnus Tyler Wong the evening prior to a planned day of golf.
Alfaro and Bellerive are currently in stable condition. Vandervlis has been placed in a medically-induced coma and is in critical condition.
Further information will be provided as it is made available.
Statement from the Vandervlis Family
Our son and brother, Ryan Vandervlis, was injured at a bonfire this past weekend. We want to be clear that alcohol was not a factor in this accident.
Ryan is in a medically induced coma as he suffered severe burns to his body. He is receiving exceptional medical care in an intensive-care unit in Calgary where he remains in critical condition.
We are grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we have received and pray that Ryan will make a full recovery.
- Barb, Rene, Cara, Sean and Rachel Vandervlis
Statement from the Wong Family
On Friday evening, nine of Tyler’s friends came to our house to stay the night as they were planning to go golfing and camping on Saturday. It was not a stag or bachelor party, as has been inaccurately reported.
In starting a campfire, the accident occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Wong were present and acted quickly to transport those injured to a Calgary hospital.
We are earnestly praying for three of Tyler’s closest friends – Ryan, Jordy and Matt – along with their families, for comfort and healing during this time of hurt.
- The Wong Family
Statement from the WHL Commissioner Ron Robison
The entire WHL family is deeply concerned for the well-being of the three players involved in the accident that occurred on Friday evening. The WHL has been in contact with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and will continue to support the Club and the families concerned during the recovery process.
- WHL Commissioner Ron Robison
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will hold a media conference with General Manager Peter Anholt on Tuesday, June 19th at 12:30pm at the ENMAX Centre (#2, 2510 Scenic Drive South). Please inform Dustin Forbes ([email protected]) or 778-987-9392 on your attendance.
