Montreal Canadiens prospect Tim Bozon has been put into an induced coma at a Saskatoon hospital after contracting a form of acute bacterial meningitis.
The 19-year-old plays for the Kootenay Ice in the Western Hockey League. He was admitted to hospital last Saturday, a day after his team played against the Saskatoon Blades.
His parents arrived at the hospital last Sunday from Switzerland.
They sent out a tweet thanking fans and well-wishers from their son’s Twitter account.
Our Timmy is keeping fighting but...thank you so much for your wonderful wishes.helene and Phil Bozon
— tim bozon (@timbozon94) March 4, 2014
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Different viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause the illness, which spreads through close contact, according to the Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada.
It can be fatal if left untreated, and survivors may suffer from consequences including blindness, deafness and paralysis.
The type of meningitis Bozon has been diagnosed with is contagious, so players from both the Blades and Ice have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
The Habs drafted Bozon in the third round, 64th overall, in the 2012 draft.
--with files from CTV Saskatoon
