Vandervlis expected at Hurricanes’ home opener
LETHBRIDGE – Ryan Vandervlis is expected to return to the ENMAX Centre for the Hurricanes’ home opener, three months after he was severely burned in a fire.
The team has announced Vandervlis plans to be at the game Friday, Sept. 21, and will take part in a pre-game ceremony. In addition, the Hurricanes will wear special Ryan Vandervlis jerseys during their warm-up.
The jerseys will be auctioned online, with proceeds donated to the Vandervlis family. According to the Hurricanes’ news release, at the Vandervlis’ request, 50 per cent of the fund will be donated to KidSport Lethbridge and Taber. The auction will close Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.
The Hurricanes forward, along with teammate Jordy Bellerive and former player Matt Alfaro, were injured June 15 when, according to police, a substance was placed in a fire pit, causing an explosion. Alfaro and Bellerive were treated and released from the hospital later that month.