Image:TSN / CHL / Kamloops Blazers defenceman Kyle Masters taken from the game on a stretcher Sunday May 28, 2023.

By CFJC Today Staff

Kamloops Blazers

Blazers lose Masters for the Memorial Cup but defenceman expected to make full recovery

May 29, 2023 | 4:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — The dream of scoring a winning goal in overtime to clinch a Memorial Cup is over for Kamloops Blazers defenceman Kyle Masters.

Masters was sent heavily into the boards in the third period of the Blazers 10 – 2 victory over the Peterborough Petes Sunday (May 28) night. Masters remained on the ice for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and removed from the ice. He was taken to Royal Inland Hospital.

Blazers Coach Shaun Clouston said Masters was released later in the evening. “This morning, he’s stiff and sore but he seems to be in good spirits and the guys were really happy to see him.”

The medical diagnosis was not favourable for the Blazers. Masters will be out for the rest of the tournament but he is expected to make a full recovery. “The big picture, it’s great news (the diagnosis) for him,” said Clouston. “Short term it’s difficult for him.”

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Clouston says Masters was traded to the club and was being relied upon to be a key member of the Kamloops blueline. “He’s an important player for us,” said Clouston. “Most nights, he was probably top two, top three minutes for us (among defencemen). So it’s going to have to be next man up.”