Watch above: Tim Bozon press conference at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital
SASKATOON – “I’m feeling good.”
Those were the first words Tim Bozon had to say at a press conference in Saskatoon on Friday.
In a hoarse voice after having used a feeding tube for weeks, Bozon gave an update on his condition.
“I’m feeling better now. I’m excited to leave the hospital.”
Bozon, a forward with the Kootenay Ice in the Western Hockey League and a prospect with the Montreal Canadiens, was set to be released from Royal University Hospital after contracting Neisseria meningitis at the beginning of the month.
He was placed in a medically induced coma and listed in critical condition. Last week, his condition was upgraded as he was slowly awoken and moved out of intensive care.
A visibly emotional Phillipe Bozon, Tim’s father, spoke on behalf of the family. He thanked everyone for their support over the past four weeks, and singled out one person in particular.
“The man who probably saved his life is (Ice) trainer Cory Cameron,” said Bozon.
“In three hours, (Tim) was a healthy man and then all of the sudden he was almost a dead body.
“Cory did the right move right away to bring him to the hospital real quick … and probably saved his life.”
The outlook for Tim Bozon is unclear but his doctor, neurologist Gary Hunt, is optimistic he will make a full recovery.
“His progress since he left the ICU has been really amazing, so I think his prognosis is really excellent,” said Hunt.
As for playing hockey again?
“The early progress has been so tremendous and he’s such a healthy guy, I’m very optimistic about that,” said Hunt.
Bozon’s agent, Roly Thompson, said his speedy progress gives him hope a fully recovery will happen.
“I think it’s important that everybody realize it’s not going to be instant,” said Thompson.
“But my gut feeling is that he’s going to play one day for the Montreal Canadiens.”
Bozon will travel to Cranbrook, B.C. where he will meet his teammates before they play the Calgary Hitmen in game six of their first-round match-up on Saturday.
“I think they miss me and I miss them,” said Bozon.
Bozon will also drop the puck before the game. After that, he will travel to Montreal to visit the Canadiens organization before heading home to France to be with his family while he continues his rehabilitation.
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