Neil Doef is closer to home.
After spending weeks in hospital in Saskatoon, the result of a spinal injury sustained during the World Junior A Challenge, the 17-year-old from Smiths Falls arrived at The Ottawa Hospital on Christmas Eve. A posting on the “DoefStrong” Facebook page says the transfer was “an unexpected gift” for his family, “and they have been very busy getting settled into the new hospital and routines.”
“Neil is stable and in good spirits, the exact extent of his injury remains unknown and we will keep everyone updated as a final prognosis becomes available from the Doctors,” the posting reads.
“Neil and his family thank everyone for the understanding for privacy especially upon arriving home. Neil has told us himself how happy he is just to be back closer to home. We will continue to give Neil and his family as much privacy as they need during these next few weeks.”
Doef was badly injured while playing for Team Canada East after he collided with a Swiss defenceman.
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A member of the Smiths Falls Bears Central Canada Hockey League team, Doef had planned to attend to Princeton University on a hockey scholarship next year.
The Smiths Falls community has rallied around the family, so far raising more than $30,000 for the family to cover the cost of accommodations and meals while they stayed in Saskatoon. Donations can be made through the Scotiabank Neil Doef Trust fund.
