Ice’s Bozon in critical condition after contracting a form of meningitis

  • By Nick Patterson Herald writer
  • Monday, March 10, 2014 8:49pm
  • SportsSports

Real life has intruded on the WHL over the past week.

Kootenay Ice star Tim Bozon remains in critical condition in a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, hospital after contracting a form of meningitis.

According to Saskatoon Blades broadcaster Les Lazaruk, Bozon was placed in a medically-induced coma last Thursday at Royal University Hospital. The 19-year-old forward from Switzerland’s condition has progressively worsened, and it’s hoped the coma will help slow down the progression of the disease.

“Obviously, it’s tough when you see that happening to a teammate,” Kootenay center Luke Philp told the Cranbrook Daily Townsman. “We gotta fight for him out on the ice, we gotta play for him and we know he’s fighting, so we’re going to keep battling as hard as we can for him.”

Bozon scored a goal for Kootenay in its 4-2 victory at Saskatoon on Feb. 28. The previous night he attended the Goo Goo Dolls concert in Saskatoon with the Blades’ Mitch Lipon, a former teammate of Bozon’s when the two played in Kamloops.

But the next day Bozon was admitted to Royal University Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Neisseria meningitis, a contagious bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is typically spread through contact with nose or throat secretions from an infected individual. The Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported the Blades have taken precautions with their players by administering antibiotics.

Bozon’s parents, Helene and Philippe, joined Bozon at the hospital from their home in Cureglia, Switzerland, the day after he was admitted. Helene and Philippe Bozon sent a message through their son’s Twitter account, saying: “Our Timmy is keeping fighting but … thank you so much for your wonderful wishes. Helene and Philippe Bozon.”

Bozon was selected by the Montreal Canadians in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft, signing a three-year entry-level deal with the Canadians last May. He was acquired by Kootenay from Kamloops in October, and in 50 games with the Ice he had 30 goals and 32 assists.

Around the WHL

Kootenay and Swift Current were the latest teams to clinch playoff spots, meaning that with one week remaining in the regular season there’s just three postseason berths still up for grabs. In the Western Conference, Tri-City has clinched at least a tie for the eighth-and-final playoff spot as the Americans lead Prince George by four points and the Cougars have just two games remaining. In the Eastern Conference, Prince Albert, Red Deer and Brandon are all tied with 71 points. Two of the three will make the postseason. … Two more WHL overagers signed NHL entry-level contracts as Edmonton defenseman Cody Corbett signed with the Colorado Avalanche and Red Deer goaltender Patrik Bartosak signed with the Los Angeles Kings. … Prince Albert’s Leon Draisaitl was named the WHL Player of the Week. The 18-year-old forward had five goals and four assists as the Raiders went 3-0.

League leaders

Points — Mitch Holmberg (Spokane) 113; goals — Holmberg 60; assists — Nicolas Petan (Portland) 74; penalty minutes — Ryan Rehill (Kamloops) 182; wins — Tristan Jarry (Edmonton) 41; goals against average — Coleman Vollrath (Victoria) 2.24; save percentage — Vollrath .930.

Check out Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog at http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog, and follow him on Twitter at NickHPatterson.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), who will be coached by his third offensive line coach in three seasons in 2025, lines up in Seattle's 20-17 win over San Francisco at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire shows they’re serious about offensive line

New offensive coordinator bringing in veterans with hopes of improving front.

Stanwood High School football coach Jeff Scoma talks with the referees during the 3A quarterfinal game against Odea on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former Stanwood football coach lands new Gig

Jeff Scoma, who resigned midseason in 2024, will coach Gig Harbor H.S. next season.

Mariners among biggest offseason losers

Juan Soto, LA Dodgers are among winners as baseball begins.

High schoolers challenge Trump’s ban of trans athletes

Two transgender high school students have challenged President Trump’s executive order barring… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.