Butch Mousseau (WCHA referee) in critical condition (UPDATE: RIP, Butch Mousseau)

[Doctor No]

Butch Mousseau took a fall to the ice last night in Grand Rapids, and is in the hospital with a skull fracture (and is in an induced coma).

Here's a press statement from the WCHA:
http://mihockeynow.com/2016/03/wcha...ondition-after-fall-in-warm-ups-friday-night/

If you know Butch - and just about anyone who plays hockey in Colorado does - you'll know that he's one of the most positive individuals out there. He treats every game he officiates (even down to beer league) with 100% respect, and makes the game fun for the players and officials. He's one of the most warm people that I know, and I'm honored to call him my friend.

One of my favorite Butch moments was during the Colorado Avalanche's annual Burgundy/White scrimmage, where he spent a good amount of time trying to pull apart a Scott Parker / Chris Dingman fight. That takes bravery.

Anyhow, he needs positive thoughts and prayers right now. He's a fighter, and I'm sure he'll get through this.

Click to read more...

 

[Doctor No]

If you're interested in Butch's condition and/or efforts to help, here's a Facebook group dedicated to him and his recovery:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1140095496034826

 

[WildGopher]

If you're interested in Butch's condition and/or efforts to help, here's a Facebook group dedicated to him and his recovery:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1140095496034826

Prayers for him. Will check Facebook for updates. Thanks for posting this.

 

[Doctor No]

Thank you!

Here's a good story on Butch that someone posted to the group:
http://rapidcityjournal.com/sports/...cle_222d6c2e-2ccc-11df-b3f5-001cc4c002e0.html

First Native American to officiate in the NHL.

 

[Doctor No]

And here's a fun video of Butch mic'd up at a CHL game a few years back:

 

[Doctor No]

Still in critical condition - they're working towards lowering the swelling of the brain now.

Keep sending thoughts and prayers, please!

 

[Doctor No]

Great update article, including quotes from Ferris State coach Bob Daniels:

http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2016/03/national_support_for_injured_h.html

 

[Doctor No]

Updates are being posted by Butch's wife on the Facebook page above.

Short version - still waiting for pressure levels to go down, still being patient.

 

[MNhockey19]

R.i.p. butch

 

[Doctor No]

Yep, it's been a very tough day.

Not sure what time it happened or what the specifics were, but Butch is no longer with us.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Shame to hear. RIP, and hope his family gets well taken care of by the hockey community.

 

[10coach*]

College ref dies from hitting head on ice

Such a sad and scary story and Butch was a tremendous person. As a ref I looked up to him. It kind of puts things in to perspective. He has high school aged and below children. He was set to work the WCHA championship games. This may get moved but he also worked professional hockey. He was lost after being placed in a drug induced coma. He was not wearing a helmet during warmups which is very common but will now be required.













Here he is mic'd up. Such a great personality.

 

[belair]

Rip.

 

[Langdon Alger]

Oh no! That's horrible.

 

[Chairman Maouth]

Such a sad and scary story and Butch was a tremendous person. As a ref I looked up to him. It kind of puts things in to perspective. He has high school aged and below children. He was set to work the WCHA championship games. This may get moved but he also worked professional hockey. He was lost after being placed in a drug induced coma. He was not wearing a helmet during warmups which is very common but will now be required.

I think this has enough general interest that it can stay here. Condolences to everyone involved.

 

[Warden of the North]

RIP. My condolences to the family

 

[Finesse]

Very sad.

 

[NYRangers3061]

Very sad. RIP

 

[KPower]

Terrible news.

 

[Frelimo]

Horrible news. My condolences to his family and those who knew him.

 

[Loui21Eriksson]

I remember watching him in that mic'd up video a couple years ago.

Too bad to hear about this tragedy. My thoughts are with his family.

 

[Jaykay]

He was taking a lap during warmups without a helmet on, started skating backwards with his hands in his pockets, tripped and hit his head on the ice.

Such terrible news and something that could happen to anyone.

 

[Doctor No]

Thanks, NFS!

Here's a good sampler of current:
http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2016/03/condolences_pour_in_quickly_fo.html

 

[Zirakzigil]

Terrible news to hear. Thoughts going out to his family.

 

[ArGarBarGar]

Wow, that is horrible to hear.

And such a freak occurrence, too.