2 injured in separate hockey games

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Two Toledo area high school ice hockey players remain in Ohio hospitals after two separate, but severe, accidents that left them with serious injuries.

Kyle Cannon, a freshman on the Clay High School hockey team, was critically injured Sunday morning during a game against Lexington, Ky., Catholic High School at a holiday weekend holiday tournament in Kettering, southeast of Dayton.

The 14-year-old suffered a broken neck when he was hit into the boards by an opposing player. Play was suspended and Kyle was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

Dr. Michael Zalar, Oregon City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Zalar said in a news release that Kyle is listed in critical but stable condition.

Laurie Cannon, Kyle's step-mother, told the Dayton Daily News that Kyle was headed into surguery Monday afternoon and depending on the outcome, he could return to Oregon with his family by the end of the week.

The Eagles were competing in the Beavercreek Frozen Creek hockey tournament at the Kettering Recreation Complex.

Start High School hockey player Dustin Wells, 18, suffered a bruised spine after being knocked down on the ice during a game against Northview High School Nov. 28 at Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania.

After the hit, Dustin had no feeling in his right leg and could not move it. The hit caused a swollen spinal cord but luckily no bones were broken. He was taken to Toledo Hospital and he is expected to remain in the hospital for the first part of December.

Doctors said the Start player will be able to walk again.

In a news release Tuesday evening, Kyle remains in the intensive care unit at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and will remain there for at least a few months. Although Kyle has regained slight feeling in his arms, doctors believe that he could be paralyzed for life.

The Northwest Hockey League will host a fundraiser Friday, Dec. 5, for the two injured players. Donations will be collected at each conference-hosted game around the region Friday.

In addition, proceeds from the Jan. 24, 2009, Annual Rivalry Game against Whitmer and Start will go toward defraying Kyle's and Dustin's medical and rehabilitation bills.

A special fund has also been set up up for Kyle and his family. You can donate to the Kyle Cannon Fund at any area Charter One Bank branch.