LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — An Alberta player with the Western Hockey League who was seriously burned while hanging out at a backyard firepit is out of intensive care.
Family of Ryan Vandervlis say the Lethbridge Hurricanes player is fully alert and has been transferred to a Calgary hospital’s burn unit.
He is able to whisper and communicate through texts.
The 20-year-old centre with the elite major junior team suffered burns to half his body last month.
He was with a group of young men who had gathered around a firepit as part of a pre-wedding celebration when a substance was placed in the fire.
Vandervlis has so far had five surgeries and will need more, but his family says he is expected to make a full recovery.
Two others were also burned but have since been released from hospital.
The Canadian Press
