Athens, Ont. junior hockey player suffers 'potentially life changing' injury after hit from behind
Mac Spinelli, a junior hockey player in Athens, Ont., has suffered what the team is calling a "potentially life changing" injury, after being hit from behind during a playoff game on Feb. 27.
"Mac was checked from behind by an opposing player and crashed violently into the boards, fracturing two vertebrae in his neck along with a concussion," the Athens Aeros said in a social media post.
The Aeros, part of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League, were in Smiths Falls for Game 3 of their series, when Spinelli was hit from behind.
His family says he was diagnosed with his fourth concussion, which will prevent him from playing contact hockey ever again. They added that his C6 and C7 vertebrae were fractured and he is lucky he isn't paralyzed.
The team made the post about the 19-year-old defenseman on Friday, three days after the injury occurred.
The Aeros were eliminated from the EOJHL playoffs that night.
Spinelli is a student at Queen’s University, studying economics and commerce. His family says the injuries have made it difficult for him to continue his studies.
Athens is located approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Border measures aimed at responding to Trump's tariff threat begin to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens
Behold, for your festive perusal, some of the most beloved, cherished and out-there onscreen renditions of dear old Saint Nick.
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
Balkans snowstorm leaves tens of thousands of homes without power and causes traffic chaos
Tens of thousands of homes in Bosnia were without electricity on Tuesday after heavy snow and winds that also brought traffic chaos in neighbouring Croatia and Serbia.
Atlantic
-
RCMP investigating break, enter and theft at business in Janeville, N.B.
RCMP in New Brunswick are investigating after a business in Janeville was broken into and a number of items were stolen.
-
CTV's Katie Kelly solves decades old mystery involving 'anchor' tattoo
It’s been almost two decades since a 21-year-old man from New Glasgow, N.S., got a tattoo of CTV’s Bruce Frisko, but it’s a piece of Maritime history that hasn’t been forgotten.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
Toronto
-
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
-
Woman seriously injured after stabbing in Moss Park: paramedics
A stabbing in Toronto’s Moss Park neighbourhood Tuesday morning has left a woman with serious injuries as police search for a suspect.
-
Police in York Region thwart alleged car theft in Stouffville, Ont.
A suspect from Quebec who was allegedly trying to steal a luxury car in Stouffville, Ont. last Friday was caught with a key fob programmer, police say.
Montreal
-
Snowfall in Quebec leads to multiple road accidents
Quebecers travelling on Christmas Eve should do so with caution as snow continues to flurry in the early morning.
-
Quebec doing better job at retaining immigrants, Atlantic Canada still struggling
Immigrants are increasingly choosing to stay in Quebec, according to a new report from Statistics Canada, but the same isn't true in the Atlantic region, which continues to lose newcomers to the rest of the country.
-
What's open and closed in Montreal during the holidays
Here's a list of what's open and closed for the holidays in Montreal.
Northern Ontario
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
-
Fatal snowmobile crash in northern Ont. near Parry Sound
A 30-year-old has died following a snowmobile crash near Parry Sound on Sunday.
-
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Windsor
-
WECHU warning of positive avian influenza cases
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is working to alert the public of the dangers of avian influenza after waterfowl in the area tested positive.
-
Restaurant staff aid in rescue of two men that fell into the frigid waters of the Detroit River
Windsor police say that shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 20, officers were called after a man fell into the water while standing too close to the marina wall. A second man jumped in to help him.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
London
-
Huron OPP looking to identify theft suspect
Huron County OPP are asking for help to identify a suspect wanted in relation to a theft in Exeter.
-
Looking to squeeze in some last minute shopping? Here's what's open over the holidays in the Forest City
From city-run services to malls and grocery stores, here’s a list of what’s open and closed in London this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
-
London Ont. outreach workers say encampments are 'necessary' amid lack of shelter spaces
The City of London said around 200 people currently live in 105 tents and another 100 individuals are completely unsheltered.
Kitchener
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 25 and New Year's Day.
-
Winter weather travel advisory before Christmas
Anyone planning to travel is being urged to be prepared as 5 to 15 cm of snow could hit a large portion of southern Ontario on Monday.
-
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
Barrie
-
Canada Post delivers the international goods
As of Monday, Canada Post is delivering international mail.
-
OPP R.I.D.E. program in full swing
OPP return a car to its rightful owner after a R.I.D.E. check in Midland.
-
Two suspects wanted in New Tecumseth on mischief offences
Ontario Provincial Police are searching for two men caught on CCTV causing mischief.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba to receive more equalization money, but the increase is smaller than in 2024
The Manitoba government is set to receive $337 million more in equalization payments from the federal government in the next fiscal year.
-
'Stop postponing our bucket list': Churchill continuing to grow as Manitoba's hotspot
The province of Manitoba prides itself on being the heart of Canada, and as the heart, it has many arteries just waiting to be explored.
-
What's open and closed in Winnipeg over the Christmas holidays
Christmas is coming up on Wednesday, which means some businesses, services and organizations may be closed or operating at reduced hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Calgary
-
Glenmore Trail closed for several hours due to serious crash involving crane truck
Calgary police shut down Glenmore Trail Monday night and into Tuesday morning for a crash between a car and a crane truck.
-
Fundraiser aims to help family of Calgary's latest homicide victim
A fundraising effort has been established to help the family of Jalisa Maschki, a woman who was found badly beaten on a Calgary pathway and later died in hospital.
-
Lethbridge police arrest 3 people suspected of impaired driving
Hundreds of drivers were stopped during the third week of Lethbridge's Check Stop campaign, an initiative that police say led to dozens of tickets and three arrests.
Edmonton
-
'Serious safety issues': Edmonton building where security guard was killed evacuated
An apartment building where a security guard was killed earlier this month has been evacuated.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Warm and melty again, but cloudy and breezy
We should get back to some sunshine in the Edmonton area and across much of central and eastern Alberta for Christmas day.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
Regina
-
'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years
What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades.
-
Dog lost in Saskatchewan during cross-country trip reunited with family
A family moving from Ontario to Alberta in November had a scare when their family dog got loose during a stop in Dafoe, Sask. and ran away.
-
More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story
You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story.
Saskatoon
-
More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story
You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story.
-
'People prop the doors open': Saskatoon resident concerned as people shelter in her stairwell
With the number of homeless people in Saskatoon at an unprecedented high, it’s no surprise people are looking for places to warm up.
-
Over 10,000 members join Sask. Facebook group dedicated to positivity
A Prince Albert Facebook group dedicated to positivity has been growing in popularity.
Vancouver
-
Storms to continue rolling through B.C.’s South Coast over Christmas Day
The tempestuous weather that descended on southern B.C. Monday afternoon will linger for the next few days, with a storm forecast for Christmas Day.
-
Year-end interview: B.C. Premier David Eby reflects on nail-biting 2024 election
It was a year that saw David Eby elected B.C. premier for the first time, and lead his party to government for a third consecutive term.
-
Double rainbow lights up Vancouver skies
Those in Vancouver dreaming of a white Christmas might be disappointed to learn there’s no snow in store this season, but the weather gods did offer something else over the weekend as consolation.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. woman sentenced for impaired driving crash that killed retired Mountie
A Vancouver Island woman who was high on drugs when she crashed a car into a pickup truck, killing a retired Mountie and injuring his two passengers, "did not realize what was happening and took no steps to avoid the accident" a B.C. Supreme Court judge found.
-
5 rescued after avalanche triggered north of Whistler, B.C. RCMP say
Emergency crews and heli-skiing staff helped rescue five people who were caught up in a backcountry avalanche north of Whistler, B.C., on Monday morning.
-
Cleanup underway after rockslide derails train in B.C.
No injuries were reported after a rockslide derailed a freight train, sending railcars into British Columbia's Fraser River, on Sunday night.
Kelowna
-
Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city
A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna.
-
Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP
Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature."
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
