QMJHL Game Ends Abruptly as Player Collapses from Severe Injury

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Elias Adaime
November 2, 2024 (10:09)

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We witnessed two distressing scenes in the hockey world last night.

As we reported Friday evening, former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Reilly suffered a concerning incident live from Buffalo during the game between the Sabres and Patrick Roy's New York Islanders.

Another very worrying scene occurred in the QMJHL, live from Baie-Comeau, during the matchup between the Drakkar and the Gatineau Olympiques.

All our thoughts are with Justin Blais and his loved ones

Journalist reported what happened:

A very concerning scene in Baie-Comeau: the head of Justin Blais from the Olympiques hit the ice as he fell during a scuffle. He went into convulsions and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Fortunately, he was conscious as he left. Thoughts are with the Olympiques.

Blais was then taken out on a stretcher, and the game was immediately stopped. It ended 8-2 for Baie-Comeau.

We recommend the excellent article by Yanick St-Denis, available here:

We also acknowledge Baie-Comeau Drakkar's post on the incident and for announcing the game result, a message filled with class and sportsmanship.

This speaks volumes about the organization.

The Olympiques released a medical update:

Justin Blais was transported to a local hospital as a precaution for further examinations. He is alert and responsive.

We send our best wishes and a ton of positive energy to Justin Blais and Mike Reilly this morning, hoping for a full and speedy recovery.

These are always difficult images to watch, and we can't begin to imagine the worry their loved ones must feel when this happens.