Kamloops Blazers forward Kyrell Sopotyk has been injured in a ‘life-changing’ snowboarding accident in Saskatchewan over the weekend.
A GoFundMe account has been set up by family friend, Kathleen Zary, the mother of Blazers forward Connor Zary, who grew up in nearby Saskatoon.
“We’re raising this money to help support any possible renovations, healthcare costs, and any additional supports they may require,” she said, noting Sopotyk suffered undetermined injuries.
At time of posting, the fundraiser had raised more than $14,400 of its $50,000 goal. By 9 a.m. Monday morning, it had raised over $88,000.
“Thanks for the overwhelming response. It speaks a lot to the amazing family that you’ve all supported so far,” Kathleen Zary said. “We know the Sopotyk’s are grateful for your support. We ask that you keep the entire Sopotyk family in your hearts at this time.”
The 19-year-old Sopotyk, a native of Aberdeen, Sask. was entering his third season with the Blazers. This past season he took a check from behind that resulted in him missing three months with a separated shoulder.
“We are devastated at the news of Kyrell Sopotyk,” a statement from the Blazers said. “Kyrell is a tremendous young man and an exemplary representative of our hockey club. The Blazer family is behind Kyrell and the Sopotyks. At this time, we will respect the privacy of his family.”
The link to the GoFundMe page for Sopotyk can be found here.