The hockey world is in shock after a teen died when he was hit in the neck by a puck during a game in Edmonton on the weekend.
Defenceman Kyle Fundytus, 16, was playing for the Don Wheaton Midget AA team when he was seriously injured during a game.
Kyle slid down to block a shot and the puck hit him in the neck.
Team officials says Kyle went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital where he died on Sunday.
One of Kyle's coaches read a statement on behalf of his grieving family saying "Kyle's zest for life and his passion for hockey will be a memory his family will always carry for the rest of their lives. Please accept our heartfelt thanks at this time and more information will be provided to you at a different time," said Brian Werbiski, Assistant Coach.
Hockey Canada is investigating but considers the fatal incident to be a freak accident.
"This kind of accident is exceedingly rare. In my time with Hockey Canada I haven't seen one before," said Glenn McCurdie.
Neck guards are included in the mandatory equipment list for minor hockey players but they are meant to protect players from being cut by a skate and are not intended to stop a puck.
Parents in Calgary say that hockey can be dangerous but there's only so much that can be done to keep their kids safe.
A memorial service for Kyle Fundytus is being planned for later this week.
