SASKATOON — Kootenay Ice forward Tim Bozon was in critical condition Wednesday at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon with Neisseria meningitis.
The Western Hockey League said public health officials were trying to ensure that anyone Bozon, 19, had contact with receives appropriate treatment.
The Saskatoon Blades said players and team personnel were given antibiotics as a precaution.
“(Public health) said the risk is minimal but we’re taking precautionary measures,” Blades president Steve Hogel said.
Meningitis, an inflammation of membranes around the brain and spinal cord, can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Bozon, who was selected in the third round, 64 overall, by Montreal in the 2012 NHL draft, was admitted to hospital March 1.
Kootenay beat Saskatoon 4-2 the night before. Bozon had a goal in the victory.
His parents, Phillippe and Helen, have been at his bedside since they arrived in Saskatoon Sunday from their home in Switzerland.
While there are several varieties of meningitis, the particular type Bozon has, Neisseria meningitis, is bacterial and more contagious.
“The way bacterial meningitis spreads is through spit. You need to have very close contact or direct contact with the nose and throat secretions of the individual who became ill,” said Dr. Shovita Padhi, deputy medical health officer for the Saskatoon Health Region.
Bozon has 30 goals and 32 assists in 50 games this season with the Ice.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
