Lethbridge hockey player out of intensive care, able to communicate

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — An Alberta player with the Western Hockey League who was seriously burned while hanging out at a backyard firepit is out of intensive care.

Family of Ryan Vandervlis say the Lethbridge Hurricanes player is fully alert and has been transferred to a Calgary hospital’s burn unit.

He is able to whisper and communicate through texts.

The 20-year-old centre with the elite major junior team suffered burns to half his body last month.