A 21-year-old Major Hockey League player, who was seriously injured during an on-ice fight, has died in hospital. Don Sanderson died Friday morning from injuries sustained after falling down on the rink three weeks ago.
The Port Perry native was knocked out during the fight and only briefly regained consciousness.
Sanderson was a member of the Whitby Dunlops in the Major Hockey League and a York University student. His helmet fell off and his head hit the ice during a game against the Brantford Blast.
The Dunlops' website confirms Sanderson died at about 1 a.m. at Hamilton General Hospital.
Sanderson's father Michael posted a note overnight on a Facebook group in honour of his son, saying he will love him for eternity. So far, 1,500 people have joined the group with hundreds writing on the site, sharing their grief with the family.
In a statement this afternoon, the Ontario Hockey Association says "this has left all of us devastated and in a state of grief and shock."
Hockey experts say for some Sanderson's death will re-open the debate over fighting in hockey.
Visitation will be held on Sunday at Wagg Funeral Home in Port Perry from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. His funeral will be held on Monday at Port Perry's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11 a.m.
