Vandervlis leaving hospital more than two months after campfire explosion

More than two months after being hospitalized with severe burns and placed in a medically induced coma, it appears Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Ryan Vandervlis is ready to go home.

In a Twitter post Thursday, Aug. 30, the Red Deer native wrote that he is set to be discharged from Foothills Hospital in Calgary Friday afternoon.

“With my discharge from the Foothills coming tomorrow afternoon, I’d like to share a few thoughts that have been constantly on my mind. A long road ahead, yet it is safe to say I’m feeling very loved and confident considering everything that has happened these last several months,” the 20-year-old tweeted, along with the following text:

“Firstly, I want to acknowledge my family. Not one day has passed with me in a hospital bed where they haven’t been right by my side. Northing I can say or do with be able to thank them enough. You guys are amazing. Two, my boys that have been by my side this entire ride. You guys have given me strength and kept things light at a time when it wasn’t easy to do so. My friends, especially those who came to visit me in hospital; I don’t believe I would be at the stage of my recovery that I am without your love and support. To Pete Anholt and my Lethbridge Hurricanes family, your unwavering support hasn’t gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by myself and my family. The hockey community as a whole has been astounding. Unit 31 became my home for the summer, and as unfortunate as it is, the doctors, nurses, rehab and support staff have been phenomenal. I’m feeling extremely lucky to have such amazing doctors and health care professionals at my side, daily. The love and support myself and my family have received has been overwhelming and humbling. To anyone who has sent a letter, shot me a text, wrote a card/note, sent pictures, made a donation, prayed or visited: thank you. Thank you for helping me continue to heal.”