Hockey Canada, Hockey Quebec face lawsuit over hit to young player

MONTREAL – Hockey Canada and Hockey Quebec are bring sued by a player who was seriously injured in the head with a stick during a peewee CC level game.

Alexis Turcotte and his mother Annie have also named the Basques minor hockey association, part of the Lower St-Lawrence minor hockey league, as well as the alleged aggressor in their civil lawsuit.

The lawsuit filed Monday in Quebec Superior Court seeks $370,000 in damages, including $50,000 in punitive damages.

Lawyer Jean-Pierre Menard said he believes this is the first lawsuit of its kind in that it also targets hockey associations.

The incident allegedly happened during a game on Nov. 27, 2010, in Amqui.

Turcotte allegedly was hit from behind when play was stopped and fell to the ice. The then-11-year-old was reportedly hit again in the face.

He collapsed on the ice and stayed there for several minutes before being taken to hospital.

Menard said the boy, now 14, had to wear a brace for three months and couldn’t play. He also has no memory of the event.

The lawyer says he suffered severe pain and finds it difficult to concentrate.

Hockey Canada had no comment on the lawsuit and Hockey Quebec did not immediately respond to requests for comment.