Without a doubt, the biggest story in the OHL lately is the condition of Kitchener Rangers rookie Ben Fanelli.

The 16-year-old suffered skull and facial fractures as well as a cut above his eye after a hit from Erie Otters forward Michael Liambas on Oct. 30. While playing the puck behind the Rangers goal, Fanelli was hit heavily into the end boards by Liambas, a hit that caused Fanelli’s helmet to come off. Following the hit, Fanelli hit his head on the ice.

A 45-minute delay ensued as the young defenseman was attended to by the training staffs of both teams as well as medical staff at the arena. Fanelli was then taken to a Kitchener hospital before being airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital.

To make matters worse, Fanelli’s parents were attending the game. Kitchener newspaper The Record reported that Fanelli’s mother fainted.

Some good news from Sunday night noted that Fanelli has been conscious at times and recognized his family, according to the Kitchener CTV affiliate.

The Rangers has the option of suspending the game but a decision by the players led to the continuation of the game following the delay.

“There were some mixed emotions in the dressing room,” Kitchener GM and coach Steve Spott told The Record. “There were some guys who didn’t feel they could do it. Collectively, they made (the decision). They said this was something they felt Ben would want us to do. And they rallied. We talked about playing the right way, making sure we played with class and dignity. I couldn’t be more proud of the hockey club they way they finished in a very difficult situation.”

Liambas, who reportedly was shaken up while leaving the ice following the incident, received a match penalty for boarding and has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL.

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BROUSSARD FACING SUSPENSION:

Sarnia Sting defenseman Daniel Broussard is facing the possibility of a 5-game suspension after a comment made during a recent meeting between the Sting and Kitchener Rangers.

On his way to the penalty box, Broussard reportedly told Rangers forward Gabriel Landeskog to “go back to Europe.” The remark was overheard by an official.

The OHL has a policy that looks down on players using disrespect when taunting a players heritage or homeland.