Victoria Grizzlies forward Alex Hebblethwaite has been discharged from Nanaimo General Hospital after a frightening incident during Saturday’s BCHL game against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The incident occurred in the third period of the January 4 matchup when Hebblethwaite was on a partial breakaway.
According to the team, Alberni Valley’s Lenny Greenberg pushed Hebblethwaite into the end boards, resulting in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for boarding.
The game at the Alberni Valley Multiplex was delayed as medical staff attended to Hebblethwaite, who was stretchered off the ice. He was transported to hospital, where he remained for observation until being discharged Monday.
“In the third period there was a scary moment when Victoria forward Alex Hebblethwaite was pushed into the end wall on a partial break and needed to be stretchered off the ice after a long game delay. Alberni Valley’s Lenny Greenberg was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding on the play,” the Grizzlies said in an update.
“Along with the Hebblethwaite family, we’re grateful for the medical team in Nanaimo and the care he’s receiving. We appreciate all the questions and concerns, the support for Alex doesn’t go unnoticed.”
The Grizzlies noted that tensions boiled over near the end of the game, with 16 misconduct penalties handed out during various on-ice skirmishes.
Despite the chaotic conclusion, Victoria emerged victorious with a 6-3 win, thanks in part to a three-point performance from Seamus Latta.
A little fuel before heading home!
We just got the news we have been waiting for! Alex is being discharged from hospital and is heading home to Victoria.
Thanks to all who helped provide such great care for Alex.
We appreciate everyone who reached out with care and concern pic.twitter.com/iRRZMZfvya
— Victoria Grizzlies (@BCHLGrizzlies) January 6, 2025
No details have been released regarding Hebblethwaite’s potential return to the team. The Grizzlies’ next game is this Friday, January 10th, against the second-place Cowichan Valley Capitals.
