Kootenay Ice forward Tim Bozon was in good spirits Friday morning as he and his parents addressed media for the first time since the NHL prospect fell critically ill with meningitis almost one month ago.
“Obviously, as you can tell, my voice is not at 100 per cent recovery, but I feel way better and I'm excited to leave the hospital,” Bozon joked.
Bozon, who celebrated his 20th birthday just four days ago, was diagnosed with Neisseria meningitis after he was admitted to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on March 1. His team played the Saskatoon Blades the previous night. His parents, Phillipe and Helene, flew in from their home in France the day after he was diagnosed.
He was released from hospital Friday.
The Montreal Canadiens prospect had been in a medically induced coma up until last week, and Friday’s press conference was highly emotional for the family.
Bozon’s father Phillipe, a former NHL player, fought back tears as he thanked staff at the Saskatoon hospital and told his son he was proud of him.
“I know it was a tough fight and I know you are still fighting,” Phillipe said, addressing his son. “We will always have faith in you and we love you so much.”
Bozon is scheduled to drop the puck in a ceremonial faceoff Saturday night in Cranbrook, B.C. when the Kootenay Ice take on the Calgary Hitmen in a WHL playoff game.
“I’m so grateful for knowing such great people,” Bozon said of all the support he received while in hospital. “It’s going to be exciting to leave the hospital and get back to Cranbrook and see my teammates. I think they miss me and I miss them.”
Bozon’s neurologist, Dr. Gary Hunter, said Bozon had recuperated incredibly well from the sometimes-fatal disease that sees tissue around the brain and spine become inflamed. He cautioned, however, months of rehabilitation may still be ahead before Bozon starts playing hockey again.
“We are optimistic he will make a full recovery, but it will take some time before that possibility could be realized,” Hunter said.
Bozon told media he would be returning to Europe after saying ‘bye’ to his teammates.
The Ice forward was selected in the third round, 64th overall, by Montreal in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
He scored his 33rd goal and 69th point of the season Feb. 28 against the Blades.
Watch the full press conference here.
