Fanelli to return to play with OHL Rangers
Posted August 31, 2011 12:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Defenceman Ben Fanelli will return to play for the Kitchener Rangers this season, nearly two years after suffering a horrific head injury.
Fanelli will take to the ice when training camp opens for the Ontario Hockey League club on Wednesday evening.
“For almost the past two years our organization, Ben’s family and most importantly Ben himself have focused on his recovery,” team COO Steve Bienkowski said in a statement. “I know this is an exciting day for Ben, our club and our fans.
“Ben’s rehabilitation has been about healing, without specific timelines. His dedication, commitment and perseverance as well as the support of his family and teammates has allowed him to reach his goal.”
The young defenceman suffered a fractured skull in a game against the Erie Otters in October of 2009 when he was crushed against the boards behind the net by a hit from Michael Liambas. OHL commissioner David Branch suspended Liambas for the remainder of the junior season, including the playoffs, effectively ending his junior career.
Fanelli was cleared to skate with the club in September of 2010 before being given the go-ahead for full practice drills last November.
Liambas would go on to attend training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs on an amateur tryout contract last year, but was released after a few games.
