Kyrell Sopotyk earned a medal for Saskatchewan in the men's 1500-meter wheelchair event. (Submitted Photo/Michael Scraper)

By Rob Mahon

Sopotyk Wins Bronze

Former Minto Sopotyk wins Bronze at Canada Summer Games

Aug 17, 2022 | 4:00 PM

In January of 2021, former Prince Albert Mintos forward Kyrell Sopotyk suffered a horrible injury while snowboarding that left him unable to walk and ended his hockey career. It did not, however, end his athletic achievements.

The Aberdeen, Sask. product just won a bronze medal in the men’s 1500-meter wheelchair race at the Canada Summer Games. It’s an impressive feat made all the more so by the fact that he only started training and competing last year.

Sopotyk competes in Saskatoon on the Cyclones Track and Field Club Team, and is also a member of the 2022 Wheelchair Basketball Junior National All Star Team.

Prior to the accident in 2021, Sopotyk was a member of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers for two seasons, and before that he was a long-serving member of the Prince Albert Mintos. He played parts of three seasons in Prince Albert, putting up 47 goals and 72 points in just 52 games.

Sopotyk raced at 2:15 eastern time today and raced against teammate Yousif Kaed, who placed fifth. The medal ceremony will be tonight at 6:15 eastern time at Canada Games Park.

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This was the fifth bronze and the 12^th medal overall for Saskatchewan at the summer games.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP