Two hospitalized after Alberta hockey team bus crashes into ditch
Two Junior A hockey players were taken to an Edmonton hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a team bus slid off Highway 2 and crashed south of Athabasca early Thursday morning.
Athabasca RCMP say a coach bus carrying a local Junior A hockey team lost control in icy, -37°C conditions in the early hours of Dec. 12 and entered the west ditch. The passengers, aged 15 to 19, were on their way to a weekend matchup.
Several other youths reported minor injuries or soreness and were treated at the scene. No fatalities were reported.
- You might also like:
- A deadly parasite has been found in some Alberta animals for the first time
- An Alberta town is one of the coldest places on Earth today
RCMP say the highway was partially snow-covered and icy at the time, and investigators believe road conditions contributed to the crash.
“RCMP would like to remind motorists to adjust their driving to winter road conditions and to exercise caution during extreme cold and adverse weather.”
In a statement on Facebook, the NJHL’s Crowsnest Crush, who were slated to face the Athabasca Rivermen this weekend, confirmed the crash and said both games have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
“Hockey fans, our hearts are heavy this morning as we extend our prayers, thoughts and best wishes to the Athabasca Rivermen Junior A Hockey Club and their families,” the team wrote. “As a hockey community, we are all thinking of you… light up the pass in support and have those sticks out.”
Crowsnest Crush/Facebook
New game dates have not been announced.
Athabasca is located 145 km north of Edmonton.