It’s been a tough but encouraging week for a friend and Blazer teammate of Kyrell Sopotyk.
Connor Zary grew up playing hockey either with or against Sopotyk since the age of seven in Saskatoon, Sask. The two would later be reunited on the Blazers.
Connor’s mom, Kathleen, started the GoFundMe page which has raised nearly $170,000 for the Sopotyk family after a life-altering snowboarding accident that left the 19 year-old Kyrell with partial paralysis.
Speaking to NL Sports, the younger Zary says the outpouring of support online has been heart-warming.
“I wish I could personally thank everyone for supporting and donating. I know the Sopotyk family will need it,” he said. “Those donations will help in the future. Thanks everyone.”
Zary is skating with the AHL’s Stockton Heat after being selected by the NHL’s Calgary Flames in the 1st round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He says he is looking for a way to honour his friend.
“What I’ve been thinking about the past few days is what I can do to support Kyrell now and into the future,” he added. “I want to continue to represent what he brought on the ice and around the rink.”
The link to the GoFundMe page can be found here.