Winnipeg high school hockey players suspended after injuries during championship game

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This article was published 01/03/2018 (3137 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Sturgeon Heights Huskies will be missing their two leading scorers when they take on the St. Paul’s Crusaders 1 in the third and deciding game of the Winnipeg High School Hockey League Tier 1 final tonight at the Bell MTS Iceplex.

Forward Cayden Onagi, who was carried from the ice and taken to hospital during the third period of Wednesday’s Game 2, was examined, diagnosed with a concussion and released later in the evening.

St. Paul’s defenceman Michael O’Shea was assessed a checking-from-behind major and a game misconduct for his hit on Onagi. He is also suspended for today’s game.

“After X-rays and a CT scan, nothing showed up so it’s nothing neck- or spine-related, which is really, really good news,” Sturgeon Heights head coach Tyler Metcalfe said of Onagi’s injuries. “Now we’re just treating him for concussion symptoms.”

Officials called an end to Game 2 at 9:47 of the third period following Onagi’s injury, with the Crusaders leading the Huskies 5-0.

Ryan Ostermann of Sturgeon Heights was handed a boarding major and game misconduct for his hit on his cousin, Owen Ostermann of the Crusaders, who also had to be taken to hospital. Owen Ostermann is believed to be suffering from a concussion.

Following Game 2, Metcalfe had expressed concern about the emotional well-being of his team and questioned whether it was wise to go ahead with Game 3. He revised his opinion today.

“My boys are excited to play,” said Metcalfe. “We’re short men but they’re looking forward to playing in the finals, which is what we’ve been working so hard toward all year. We’re giving it our all.”

Today’s game begins at 5 p.m.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14