Kitchener Rangers defenceman Ben Fanelli ((pictured, thanks CP)) gets to continue recovery from the monstrous check he took in an Ontario Hockey League game at home.
He was released from Hamilton ((Ontario)) General Hospital late Friday night.
Fanelli suffered skull and facial fractures from the hit Erie Otters forward Michael Liambas laid on him during an October 30 contest.
Fanelli had been in the hospital ever since, but his condition has improved over time.
The OHL came down hard on Liambas- giving him a suspension for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season.
Rangers COO Steve Bienkowski told The Kitchener Record newspaper that the team is hoping to arrange limited visits to the Fanelli home over the next few days.
The Ontario Hockey League is suspending Michael Liambas of the Erie Otters for the entire season and playoffs.
The decision comes after a boarding incident in a game between Erie and the Kitchener Rangers last Friday. Liambas was assessed a match penalty for his hit on Ben Fanelli ((pictured, thanks Kitchener Rangers)), who suffered skull and facial fractures on the play.
Fanelli's helmet flew off and he fell unconscious to the ice before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Doctors recently upgraded his condition to serious but stable.
Fanelli is four years younger than the 20-year-old Liambas, who has now played his last OHL game.
Here's the hit, thanks to our friends at RogersTV-Kitchener...
It was a busy day for "HockeyCentral" on the Fan as Daren Millard and Doug MacLean had both Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch and Erie Otters Managing Partner/GM Sherry Bassin on to discuss the punishment...
Kitchener Rangers' defenseman Ben Fanelli is listed in critical but stable condition in Hamilton General Hospital after being injured in Friday night's OHL game between the Rangers and Erie Otters.
The 16-year old was rushed to Grand River Hospital in Kitchener then airlifted to Hamilton General after being driven into the endboards by Erie's Michael Liambas half way through the second period.
The Oakville, Ontario native's head hit the glass while his helmet flew into the air before Fanelli hit the ice hard. Blood pooled on the ice from cuts above Fanelli's eyebrow and face. The game was delayed for 40 minutes as Fanelli was attended to and placed in an ambulance.
Fanelli's parents were among the 6,000 spectators at the Kitchener Auditorium. Fanelli's mother reportedly fainted and had to be revived following the incident.
Kitchener Rangers Chief Operating Officer Steve Bienkowski stated that Fanelli was conscious when the ambulance was taking him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with skull and facial fractures including a broken orbital bone.
"Ben's parents and family experienced something that we all wish would never happen", said Bienkowski in a statement on Saturday. "Their focus and concern for their son needs to be respected. I can't stress enough the need to respect their privacy and that all media inquires and announcements will be made through the Rangers organization. Our immediate focus will be to assist the Fanelli family and our players as we all deal with Ben's injuries."
Liambas, who was ejected from the game and given a match penalty for boarding, was reportedly very shaken up by the incident.
((HT: CP))
