Victoria Cougars goalie Brett Anderson blocks a shot during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River Mirror
More photos under story.
A Victoria Cougars hockey player is recovering at home after a frightening incident during a regular season game Friday night between the Cougars and the Campbell River Storm.
Partway through the second period at Campbell River’s Rod Brind’Amour Arena, Cougars defenceman Colten Witter was hit at the glass multiple times as both Campbell River and Victoria players crashed into the boards. Witter dropped to the ice and didn’t come back up. Play was halted as medical staff from both teams assessed him. An ambulance was called and the players retired to their dressing rooms as officials called for a game delay.
Witter was put on a spinal board and wheeled out of the arena by first responders.
Victoria Cougars Head Coach and GM Brody Coulter said in an email to the Mirror that Witter was doing well.
“We were able to pick him up on our way home from the arena Friday night,” Coulter said. “He was able to escape any major injuries and is resting comfortably at home now.”
Coulter said the situation was handled with “a lot of class” from Campbell River as a group.
After Witter was taken off the ice, the game continued and the Cougars came away with a 6-2 victory.
Campbell River forward Jory Swanson was suspended for two games for head contact. He is eligible to play Feb. 22.
The Storm were debuting their fiery red third jerseys on Valentine’s Day.
The night before, the Storm beat the Nanaimo Buccaneers 4-1 on the road.
As the conclusion of the regular season rapidly approaches, the Cougars continue to lead the VIJHL with 77 points.
The Victoria Cougars celebrate a goal during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorBryce Irwin celebrates with the Victoria Cougars bench during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorDawson Blanchette controls the puck as Campbell River’s Josh Pederson challenges him during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorVictoria’s Colten Witter is wheeled off the ice by paramedics after a hit during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorCampbell River Storm goalie Aaron de Kok blocks a shot during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorDesmond Arthurs and Ryan Suzukovich collide in front of the Cougars’ net during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River MirrorTynan Peacock shoots on the Victoria net during regular season VIJHL action at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River, B.C. on Feb. 14, 2020. The Victoria Cougars beat the Campbell River Storm 6-2. Photo by Marissa Tiel – Campbell River Mirror
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