Kelowna Chiefs defenceman suffers severe throat injury during Friday night game

A young Kelowna hockey player was seriously injured during a game in Grand Forks Friday night.

Zach Peitsch, a defenceman for the Kelowna Chiefs, was struck in the throat by an opponent's stick during the game against the Grand Forks Border Bruins.

The 17-year-old reportedly suffered severe damage to his windpipe.

Update:

Zach's surgery was successful, although the damage was worse than the doctors initially believed. He is awake and will remain in ICU for tonight at least.

On behalf of Zach and the Peitsch family, we thank everyone for their comments wishing him well. pic.twitter.com/uFj3578CYS

— KelownaChiefs (@KelownaChiefs) January 29, 2023

In a statement on the hockey team’s social media, Peitsch was rushed to the Boundary Hospital and then transported to KGH for emergency surgery.

Fortunately, he is recovering well and remains in Kelowna General Hospital.

The Junior B team, which is a part of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, said Peitsch will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover, however, no details have been provided about how long the stay will be.

“He is in good spirits and receiving the best of care at KGH, and we are wishing him a full and speedy recovery,” said officials for the team.

“On behalf of Zach and the Peitsch family, we thank everyone for their comments wishing him well.”