A member of the St. Marys Lincolns is recovering at home following a scary collision at Sarnia's Pat Stapleton Arena.
Austin Keleher was stretchered off the ice and taken to hospital after being hit in the head by a Sarnia Legionnaire skater early in the third period of Thursday night's game.
In an email to Sarnia News Today, Lincolns Director of Hockey Operations Greg Smale said Keleher laid on the ice while both St. Marys and Sarnia training staffs attended to him.
"Austin remained conscious and answered questions during the whole process but complained of jaw pain and neck pain," said Smale. "Upon learning of the discomfort to Austin's neck area the decision was made by the medical officials to call an ambulance and have Austin taken to a nearby medical facility for further observation."
Smale said he was happy to report that Austin returned home to St. Marys early Friday morning and was resting comfortably with no long term injuries to report.
"The St. Marys Lincolns organization would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Sarnia training staff for the amazing care they provided our player as well as Krista Schnittker and our own medical staff for assisting in the care of Austin."
Keleher, an 18-year-old Cambridge native, left the game at the 3:39 mark of the third period after Legionnaire forward Nathan Lavender was given a major penalty for head contact. Referees also handed out penalties for fighting, roughing, inciting an opponent, and for disrespectful, abusive and harassing behaviour at the same time.
The Lincolns won the game 6-1 and Keleher scored two goals. Sarnia hasn't won since October 30.