Colorado Eagles' Borsheim in Critical Condition After Motorcycle Crash

By Darryl Dionne  Published on: Thursday June 19, 2008

Les Borsheim , a defender and forward for the Colorado Eagles hockey team, was in critical condition at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley after his motorcycle crashed in rural Weld County.

"He is in the intensive care unit in critical condition," said Gene Haffner, director of public relations for the hospital.

Chris Stewart, the head coach of Eagles, said that Borsheim's family is driving from Saskatchewan, Canada, to Greeley. "We are thinking about him. Our prayers and thoughts are with him," Stewart added.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, Borsheim, who lives in Windsor, was on a red 1987 Harley Davidson softail motorcycle and failed to make a right-hand curve at Weld County Roads 60.5 and 55.

The motorcycle went off the left side of Weld County Road 60.5 and Borsheim was thrown from the cycle. The motorcycle continued on its own before crashing. The patrol said Borsheim was not wearing a helmet, but did have proper eye protection.

Stewart said the 29-year-old Borsheim had an outstanding year - his 6th year as a professional. "In my estimation, it was the best season he's had," said Stewart. He said that Borsheim had gained the reputation as a "tough guy." But Stewart said he had seen much more in the Canadian who played hockey at the University of Calgary before turning pro. "I looked at him as a player who could play," said Stewart. "He has very good feet."

Not only did Borsheim have a good year, but he was also a player who aroused enthusiasm among Colorado Eagle fans, the coach added. "He was a fan favorite. His items were the most requested. He truly was a fan favorite," said the coach.

According to Stewart and J.P. Puma, communications director for the team, Borsheim had been active with other team members in the tornado cleanup in Windsor, where the Colorado Eagles headquarters is located. The tornado missed their building by a quarter mile. On the team's website, Borsheim can be seen in the cleanup efforts.

The team released a statement saying that Borsheim underwent successful surgery performed by neurosurgeon Dr. John Viola.

It quoted Stewart and teammate Ed McGrane as saying that Borsheim was looking and acting like himself before surgery, even joking with one of the nurses.

This morning, Borsheim is breathing on his own and wearing a neck collar to aid in stabilization. "These next few days will be a big challenge when it comes to Les' recovery, but I know he is up to the challenge," said Stewart.

McGrane, one of his close friends on the team, was at his side today. "He's like family for everybody and everyone's going to be there for him," said McGrane of the teammates gathering at his side. "I saw him yesterday morning and he was excited to ride. It's one of favorite things to do and it's just bad luck that he lost control."

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Les Borsheim, in hopes of a successful recovery,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.

Donations are now being accepted by the Les Borsheim Recovery Fund via the Team Borsheim website. Please visit http://teamborsheim.com for more information.