Rising French hockey star critically ill

Montreal Canadiens top prospect Tim Bozon was in critical condition in a Canadian hospital suffering from meningitis, the Western Hockey League said. Bozon, son of former National Hockey League star Philippe Bozon, was admitted to Royal University Hospital, in the western Canada province of Saskatchewan, on Saturday. "Our Timmy is keeping fighting but... thank you so much for your wonderful wishes," the family wrote on Tim Bozon's Twitter site on Wednesday. Bozon, 19, was admitted to hospital one day after scoring a goal for the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice in a win over the Saskatoon Blades. Philippe and Helen Bozon are at their son's bedside after flying to Saskatoon from their home in Switzerland. "The family has indicated to the WHL that Tim's condition is critical," the WHL said in a joint statement with the Kootenay Ice. Bozon is one of the top scorers in the WHL, which is the top junior hockey league in North America, producing about 25 percent of the NHL's players. He also played for the French national team at last year's World Ice Hockey Championships. The Montreal Canadiens chose Bozon in the third round (64th overall) of the 2012 NHL entry draft. In May, he signed a three-year contact with Montreal. Bozon started his junior career with the Kamloops Blazers in 2011. In his first season, he led all rookies in the league with 36 goals in 71 games. Source: AFP