Former ECHL Player Baird Severely Burned In Accident

By   Published on: Tuesday August 05, 2008

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL and its member teams extend their thoughts and prayers to former ECHL player Jason Baird, who is in stable condition at the Akron (Ohio) Burn Center after he was seriously burned on July 24 when the lawn mower he was riding exploded.

Baird, who suffered burns over 60-65 percent of his body, is expected to remain at the Akron Burn Center for 60-90 days for multiple surgeries.

The 27 year old, who is the father of three, played for Cincinnati as a rookie in 2001-02 and had 39 points (18g-21a) and 160 penalty minutes in 67 regular season games and eight penalty minutes in three Kelly Cup Playoff games.

His wife, Bethany, is providing updates on his condition at CaringBridge.org/visit/JasonBaird.

There will be a charity hockey game for Baird at the Chevy Centre in Youngstown, Ohio on Aug. 24. The game will have Mike Rupp of the New Jersey Devils and Kevin Kaminski, who coached Baird in 2007-08, as well as former teammates of Baird.

Donations to help Baird and his family defray medical and other expenses while he is hospitalized and unable to work can send it to:

Baird Family Fund

P.O. Box 264

Perry, OH 44081