By CHAT News Today

Family provides update on Layne Matechuk’s condition following Humboldt Broncos crash

Jun 29, 2018 | 11:39 AM

SASKATOON, SASK. — Once a prospect with the Medicine Hat Tigers, a young hockey player is now facing a long road ahead.

The family of Layne Matechuk released a statement through the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Friday. The 18-year-old was critically injured in the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6.

The family’s says Matechuk spent one month in a coma, but is now awake and making steady progress.

The statement also revealed Matechuk has suffered a brain injury, and he is unable to speak.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

“He doesn’t appear to know what has happened,” the statement reads. “And while we see his frustration, we also see his determination.”

Matechuk has been transferred to a hospital in Saskatoon this week for the next phase of his recovery. The family says they’ve been “overwhelmed by the support” they’ve received in the wake of the crash.

“While we may not be publicly visible with Layne and his story, we wanted to say thank-you to everyone who has been by Layne’s side, and our side, these past three months,” the statement reads.

The family has asked for privacy while Matechuk continues his recovery. The full statement can be read here. 

Matechuk was drafted by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the second round of the 2015 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. He was signed by the team in June 2015.

The defenceman scored five goals and notched three assists in 45 games with the Broncos this season.