Former NHL Player Stephane Veilleux Injured in Traffic Accident
Stephane Veilleux, once a prominent force for the Minnesota Wild, faces a challenging recovery after a severe traffic accident. The incident occurred last Wednesday and led to significant injuries that left the 42-year-old hospitalized in the Twin Cities. What initially seemed like a minor fender bender escalated dramatically as Veilleux experienced debilitating neck pain, prompting immediate medical attention at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC).
Medical examinations discovered that Veilleux had fractured a vertebrae, necessitating the use of a halo vest to immobilize his spine. Expected to wear the vest for three months, Veilleux currently remains in satisfactory condition at the hospital. Friends and supporters have rallied around through an online fundraising campaign to assist with his medical expenses.
Selected by the Wild in the 2001 NHL Draft, Veilleux enjoyed a notable career, mainly with Minnesota, before retiring in the 2014-15 season. Post-retirement, he continued to contribute to the hockey community in the Twin Cities, working with youth as an off-season trainer and through the Little Wild program, which enhances community engagement for the NHL franchise. The circumstances and location of the crash remain undisclosed.
