Erie Otters forward Michael Liambas had his junior hockey career ended on Wednesday by OHL commissioner Dave Branch.

The Woodbridge native was suspended by the league for the rest of the OHL season and the playoffs. As an overage player, this was Liambas' last year of junior eligibility.

It was Liambas' hit during a game in Kitchener on Oct. 30 that sent Rangers rookie defenceman Ben Fanelli to the hospital with facial and skull fractures.

"This sends a message to our league that the OHL is going to hold players accountable for their actions," said Kitchener Rangers coach and GM Steve Spott. "We have to have a greater respect for our opponents when we are on the ice."

Fanelli is in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit of Hamilton General Hospital, after his status was upgraded on Tuesday from critical but stable. Spott, who has been at the hospital regularly, was able to visit with the 16-year-old for the first time on Wednesday.

"He was able to say 'Hi' to me, which was outstanding," Spott told the Star. "I was really, really pleased about that, but still, you're dealing with a young man who is in serious condition."

Branch met with Liambas at the OHL's offices on Tuesday for a disciplinary hearing.

"Michael is a bright and articulate man and he certainly represented himself very well," said Branch of Liambas. "But any issues that Michael is facing pale in comparison to what, unfortunately, Ben and his family are going through."

Otters general manager Sherry Bassin broke the news of the suspension to Liambas on Wednesday.

"He's completely devastated," said Bassin. "We have two good people that bad things have happened to, one physically where we hope for the best, and the other now beat up emotionally and mentally."

"I don't want this (incident) to create a lasting image that Mike Liambas is some kind of a goofball, he's far from it," added Bassin, noting that the remorseful 20-year-old is an honour roll student who is known for his charitable work in the community.

Liambas was assessed a match penalty for boarding on the play that knocked the Oakville native's helmet off, sending him face-first into a metal stanchion separating the end zone glass before his head smacked the ice.

"In our minds the most concerning thing about the hit was the distance travelled and the speed," said Branch of his decision. "It then resulted in injury ... and the injury was the most concerning, no question."

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According to Branch, and contrary to some media reports, Fanelli's helmet did not break.

"What had cracked was the visor, but not the helmet," said Branch, noting that he was assured the 16-year-old was wearing his helmet properly.