Photo: Contributed

Zach Pietsch gives a thumbs-up from his hospital bed on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Kelowna Chiefs defenceman Zach Pietsch is out of hospital.

The 17-year-old was injured in a game in Grand Forks Friday night. He was struck in the throat by an opponent’s stick and needed surgery to repair the damage.

Pietsch was initially taken to Boundary Hospital in Grand Forks and then transferred to Kelowna General Hospital.

A social media post by the team on Sunday said his surgery was a success. The latest update, posted today, says he’s now home recovering.

“Last night we received some great news...Zach Peitsch has been released from the hospital. He has a lengthy recovery ahead of him but we're so glad he (sic) back home,” said the post on the Chiefs’ Twitter account.

Pietsch, who is from Kelowna, has nine points in 32 games with the Chiefs this season. The junior B team plays in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

Last night we received some great news...Zach Peitsch has been released from hospital. He has a lengthy recovery ahead of him but we're so glad he back home.

?: Shar's Photography pic.twitter.com/hWPioOzgsZ

— KelownaChiefs (@KelownaChiefs) January 30, 2023