Jake LeBrun's first thoughts after he came to his senses were about his team.
"What happened? Did we win?"
What happened was LeBrun, an 18-year-old left winger for the Prince George Spruce Kings and their leading scorer, was launched head-first into the Coliseum boards Friday night after an dangerous and illegal check from behind by Vernon Vipers defenceman Mark Hamilton.
The crowd, which included LeBrun's parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents watched in horror as Hamilton pushed on LeBrun's back as he carried the puck towards the side boards and his head took the brunt of the impact. LeBrun got up writhing in pain, suffering a concussion and a cut on the bridge of his nose. The hit came with 8:20 left in the game and the Spruce Kings leading 3-0 on their way to a fourth straight victory.
LeBrun was taken to the hospital, where he remained overnight and he was released Saturday night. He is out of the Kings' lineup indefinitely.
The BCHL suspended Hamilton for two games as a result of the hit. Earlier in the game, in the second period, Hamilton served a minor penalty and a misconduct for a check to the head.
"Without question it was an unfortunate hit, an unfortunate play , and a dangerous play," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "It's a play we want to try to eliminate from all levels of the game, from the NHL all the way down and that's what we're working towards. It was dealt with very well by our training staff and our medical team and he got the best care. Hopefully Jake will be OK."
On the ice this season, LeBrun has been more than OK. He assisted on one of the three goals the Kings scored Friday and through 10 games he had eight goals and five assists. That's only one point less than the Prince George native totaled in 53 games last year as a rookie.
"He's a huge guy on this team not only for his points but for the energy he brings," said Kings goalie Jesse Jenks. "He's a role model in the dressing room and on on the ice, he just does everything the way it should be done. He's a hardworking guy."
Hawes said LeBrun had no headaches or nausea upon his release but was complaining of a sore neck. LeBrun won't play or practice for at least the next week, which means he'll miss the Kings' trip this week to Merritt, Penticton and Westside
LeBrun is the second top-line Kings forward lost to a concussion. Left Winger Brent Lashuk got hurt in Coquitlam on Sept. 27 when he collided with a player and hit his head sideways off the boards. He's missed four games after starting the season with two goals and eight assists in nine games.
