A Canadian hockey player, set to compete against the Utah Hockey Club, was involved in a traffic accident on Monday. The incident occurred near downtown Salt Lake City, and while initial reports were unclear, further investigation revealed that the pedestrian was Emil Heineman, a member of the Montreal Canadiens. Though not critically injured, Heineman sustained upper body injuries that will keep him off the ice for several weeks. The Utah Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash, which involved a city employee as the driver. Despite the setback, the scheduled game between the two teams proceeded as planned.

Hockey Star Struck by Vehicle Near Downtown Intersection

The collision took place in the heart of Salt Lake City, catching many by surprise. When officers first arrived at the scene, they found no witnesses or individuals involved. However, later in the evening, nearby businesses provided crucial information leading to the identification of the pedestrian. It was then confirmed that the individual struck was none other than Emil Heineman, a key player for the Montreal Canadiens. This unexpected event disrupted the team's travel plans and raised concerns about Heineman's well-being.

According to reports from the Salt Lake City Police Department, the accident happened around 2:55 p.m. near the intersection of 200 East and 500 South. Initially, there was confusion surrounding the incident, as officers could not locate the person who made the report or any pedestrians involved. Later, a local business came forward with information that helped identify Heineman as the pedestrian. Head coach Martin St. Louis commented that Heineman was attempting to cross the street when he was hit. Although the vehicle was reportedly not traveling at high speed, it still caused significant injury to Heineman's upper body. This unfortunate event has led to a three to four-week absence from the ice for the player.

Investigation Launched Following Collision Involving City Employee

Following the accident, authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. All parties involved have been identified, and the Utah Highway Patrol is handling the case. The driver involved in the crash has been identified as a Salt Lake City employee, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. While Heineman did not suffer severe injuries, the Canadiens organization remains concerned about the impact on his health and performance.

The Utah Highway Patrol is conducting a detailed investigation into the traffic accident involving Emil Heineman. The driver, identified as a Salt Lake City employee, is cooperating fully with the authorities. Both the Canadiens and the Utah Hockey Club are awaiting updates on the investigation. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the teams proceeded with their scheduled match at the Delta Center on Tuesday evening. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments through various media platforms, including the KSLSports website. The Canadiens management expressed gratitude for the support received from both fans and local authorities during this challenging time.