Saskatchewan hockey player recovering after neck gashed by skate during game

By The Canadian Press on December 9, 2024.

ESTERHAZY, Sask. – A Saskatchewan hockey player is out of hospital after he was cut in the neck by a skate during a game.

The Sask East Hockey League says captain Cole Cusitar of the Churchbridge Imperials was cut under his jaw while facing off last week against the Esterhazy Flyers.

The league says it’s believed the 35-year-old fell to the ice and the blade of another player’s skate hit his neck.

The deep gash resulted in 80 stitches.

Teammate Jonathan Jenson says people were shouting after the player was sliced, and there was a pool of blood on the ice.

The league says Cusitar wasn’t wearing a neck guard and all players on his team have decided they will now wear the protective equipment.

It says it strongly encourages all players and officials in the league to do the same.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024.

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