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Fanelli Injury Update

Written by: Tyler Bodman on 16th January 2010

Fanelli Injury Update | read this item

Two and a half months later and things are finally looking up for Ben Fanelli.

On October 31, 2009 everyone in the Kitchener Auditorium held their breath while the 16-year-old Rangers defenceman laid motionless in a pool of his own blood. The OHL rookie was hit hard into the end boards by Erie Otter’s forward Mike Liambus.

Fanelli was airlifted to Hamilton General for treatment.

It’s been a slow road to recovery but Rangers head coach Steve Spott says he’s making improvements.

“He’s making progress off the ice,” said Spott after a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Mississauga Majors on Friday night. “He’s doing light work outs. He’s just really been an incredible inspiration for our dressing room being around the room.”

Fanelli is set to have an MRI Monday January 18, which will hopefully give the youngster a clean bill of health.

“With regards to hockey there’s no time line for that, nothing at all,” explained Spott. “It’s back in the dressing room being part of the hockey club and getting used to a normal life again.”

The Rangers currently sit one point behind the London Knights for first place in the Midwest division.

As for Mike Liambus, he was suspended for the rest of his OHL career. He did, however, land on his feet joining Bloomington of the IHL to resume his hockey career. But, once again Liambus found himself in the spot light after getting suspended for five games for a hit from behind on December 29. He sits out his last game tonight.