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UPDATE: Vandervlis family issues statement on son who is in medically-induced coma

Jun 18, 2018 | 3:08 PM

The Lethbridge Hurricanes and Western Hockey League have issued a joint press release containing statements from some of the families involved in Friday night’s campfire explosion near Cochrane that injured two Hurricanes players and a WHL alumnus player, including one from Red Deer.

“The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club and Western Hockey League are deeply saddened by the events involving two Hurricanes players – Jordy Bellerive and Ryan Vandervlis – and WHL Alumnus Matt Alfaro, now with the University of Calgary Dinos.

Alfaro, Bellerive and Vandervlis suffered various injuries resulting from an incident involving the starting of a campfire on the evening of Friday, June 15. 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.”

The family of Red Deer native and Hurricanes forward Ryan Vandervlis, who is now confirmed to be in a medically-induced coma, also issued a statement:

“Our son and brother, Ryan Vandervlis, was injured at a campfire 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.”

A statement from the Wong family has also been provided:

“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 entire WHL family is deeply concerned for the well-being of the three players involved in the accident that occurred Friday evening,” says WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “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.”

Cochrane RCMP say the incident occurred at about 11:43 p.m. Friday.

Cochrane RCMP, along with Rockyview Fire and EMS were dispatched to a structure fire in the Bearspaw area of Rockyview County, located approximately 10 km east of Cochrane. Upon arrival, it was determined that a substance was placed into a fire-pit that caused an explosion. No structures were involved or affected by the incident. Police did not release the name of the victims involved and continue to investigate.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes will hold a media conference with General Manager Peter Anholt on Tuesday, June 19 at 12:30 p.m. MT at the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge.