Head shot leaves hockey player in critical condition

A fractured skull and facial lacerations for Kitchener Rangers rookie Ben Fanelli.

The 16-year-old was the victim of a vicious hit in the Friday, October 30, 2009 game versus the Erie Otters.
Fanelli remains in intensive care at Hamilton General Hospital, where he had to be airlifted last night. His condition is considered critical but stable and the Rangers are asking that the Fanelli family's privacy be respected.

Ben was hammered into the end boards in the second period of Friday's game, losing his helmet and going face first into the glass. A statement by the team says Fanelli suffered a laceration above his eye which resulted in blood loss. That statement also says Fanelli has skull fractures, which would have been the result of falling backwards, helmet-less, onto the ice.

Michael Liambis, the Otters player who hit Fanelli was ejected from the game with a match penalty for boarding. The league is reviewing the incident, but there is no word yet on any disciplinary action.

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