Family of Blazers player injured in snowboarding accident 'grateful,' asking for 'thoughts and prayers'

Photo: Kamloops Blazers

Kamloops Blazers forward Kyrell Sopotyk was injured last month in a snowboarding accident in Saskatchewan.

The family of a Kamloops Blazers forward who was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident last month is asking for thoughts and prayers “for his long journey ahead.”

Kyrell Sopotyk was injured in late January while snowboarding in Saskatchewan. A Gofundme page set up following his injury has raised nearly $196,000 — almost four times the page’s goal of $50,000.

“Our family would like to express the immense gratitude and thanks for the overwhelming support and kindness during this tough time,” Lori Sopotyk, Kyrell’s mom, said in an update posted to the Gofundme page on Monday.

“Kyrell is working towards months of recover with his medical and rehab team at Saskatoon City Hospital.”

Sopotyk thanked well-wishers for their kindness and donations.

“We ask that you please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers on his long journey ahead,” she said.

“The incredible support of family, friends and the community makes a huge difference in Kyrell’s road to recovery and maintaining a positive attitude.”

Sopotyk scored 27 points for the Blazers in the 2019-2020 WHL season that was cut short in March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.