A SUNY Geneseo sophomore and member of the school’s ice hockey team is hospitalized in intensive care after suffering a severe head injury. The cause of the injury was not immediately known.
According to information shared on a GoFundMe page created for the family, Jason “Jay” Stephanik sustained a fracture to the back of his skull along with bleeding in his frontal lobe. Hospital officials at Strong Memorial Hospital said Stephanik is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit and remains in guarded condition.
The fundraising page states that Stephanik has experienced periodic seizures and significant speech impairment since the injury. Family members indicated that the circumstances surrounding how the injury occurred were unclear at the time.
As of Nov. 1, the GoFundMe update reported signs of improvement, noting that Stephanik had begun walking with minimal assistance. His family said they remain hopeful for continued recovery. The fundraiser has collected more than $11,000 toward a stated goal of $25,000.
Stephanik appeared in 16 games during the 2014–2015 season for the SUNY Geneseo hockey team, recording one goal and five assists. He also previously played junior hockey with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League, the nation’s top-tier Junior “A” league.
An update from local authorities indicated that Geneseo Police later determined the cause of the injury. Further details were expected to be released as the investigation continued.
