Garrett Robinson is back in his home province of B.C., lying in critical condition at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
How he got there has been a story that has rocked the Western Hockey League and prompted an outpouring of grief, support and financial assistance.
For those who missed it, Robinson and two other Moose Jaw Warriors were heading home to their billets after an Alberta road trip on Oct. 22 when the car they were in collided with a pickup truck. Warriors Joey Perricone and Carter Smith suffered minor injuries; Robinson, just 18, suffered severe head trauma.
He was rushed to Regina's General Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care. Late last week, the Surrey, B.C., native was moved to the General's neuroscience unit before being flown by air ambulance to the Royal Columbian Hospital, where his family can tend to him.
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Soon after the accident was reported, the Warriors set up the Garrett Robinson Recovery Fund to help his family deal with the financial obligations. So far, contributions have come from across the country as well as from the National Hockey League.
"The NHL has been really good," said Warriors' general manager Chad Lang, who has been a spokesman for the Robinson family. "There's been money from a few teams and we're also doing a sports memorabilia auction to raise money for the Garrett Robinson Recovery Fund. Teams have been outstanding in sending material — (autographed) jerseys, sticks."
Others such as Warrior alumni, WHL team officials and sympathetic fans have also contributed but, as Lang acknowledged, money can't undo all the damage that's been inflicted.
"He's still in critical condition," Lang said of Robinson. "He's got a long road ahead of him … I tell people we make these players out to be machines but they're kids. You can try to prevent them from things and keep them in a box but situations like this are out of your control."
The Warriors have done their best to cope with the loss of the 6-foot-1, 181-pound Robinson, who was enjoying his third season with Moose Jaw and remains eligible for the 2007 NHL entry draft. Since the accident, the Warriors have posted a 3-3 record while trying to keep their spirits up.
"We do updates on our website (www.mjwarriors.ca) to keep people informed on Garrett's condition," said Lang. "It's been tough but everyone is concerned for Garrett."
Curtis Jay Mullen, 23, has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08. He allegedly drove the pickup truck that slammed into the car occupied by Perricone, Smith and Robinson.
For those interested in contributing to the Garrett Robinson Recovery Fund, details can be found on the Warriors website.
