On Saturday night at approximately 7 p.m., at least 16 members of the Saint Ignatius College Prep men’s junior varsity hockey team were injured when a semi-truck driver collided with the team’s bus while travelling back through Warsaw, Ind. from a competition.
According to a statement released by the school, three of the injured players underwent urgent surgery following the crash after being deemed to be in critical condition by the responding paramedics.
The driver of the semi-truck is currently in police custody, according to the statement, as officers at the scene noted a “strong odor” of alcohol in the vehicle. The driver was also slurring his speech when questioned and failed sobriety the ensuing sobriety tests. He also declined to consent to a chemical test.
There were a total of 23 students, whose ages range from 14 to 17 years old, on the bus at the time of the crash, along with two team coaches, and a driver.
“Coaches including Hockey Director Spencer Montgomery have been in Indiana with our students and their families,” said Saint Ignatius president John Chandler in a statement.
“The Saint Ignatius Wolfpack Hockey Club says ‘we will get through this together.’ Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt concern are with them.”
Needless to say, the hockey world is holding out hope for a swift and full recovery of all students and team-affiliated members involved.
