QMJHL cancels Oceanic-Drakkar game after winger Beck collapses on bench, sent to hospital

The back end of a back-to-back for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and the Rimouski Oceanic was cancelled Saturday after a check to the head of forward Samuel Beck sent the rookie to the hospital.

Beck’s head collided with the shoulder of Drakkar winger Simon Desbiens when Beck reached for the puck at the blue line during the first period of their game at the Arena Henry-Leonard.

He made it to his team’s bench, and play resumed until the Oceanic trainer called for the help of the Drakkar trainer and the on-site doctor. After a few minutes, Beck collapsed and was sent straight to the hospital from the player’s bench on a stretcher.

The league released a statement Saturday about the cancellation, saying commissioner Gilles Courteau “took this decision with the Director of Player Safety, Raymond Bolduc, present at the game, in the best interest of Samuel Beck’s health, the players present, the staff of both teams as well as the officials.”

The league commended the actions of the athletic therapists of both teams and the doctor at the arena who treated Beck.

The Oceanic’s twitter feed reported that Beck is doing well.

Head coach Serge Beausoleil added that Beck is expected to join the team Sunday.

The game was cancelled around seven minutes into the opening frame. Rimouski led 1-0.

Beck has one assist in three games so far this season. He has two helpers in seven career QMJHL games.