The team said on its Web site on Saturday that the 16-year-old was injured during a 4-0 win over the visiting Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League game on Friday night. He also suffered a cut above the eye but was conscious as he was taken off the ice.
Fanelli was taken to a local hospital and before being airlifted to a Hamilton hospital.
The Waterloo Region Record reported that Fanelli was checked into the end boards by Erie's Michael Liambas. Fanelli's head went hard into the glass and his helmet flew up in the air.
Liambas was ejected after receiving a match penalty for boarding.
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