WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Winnipeg Jets defenseman Zach Redmond is in good spirits at a Raleigh, N.C., hospital as he recovers from surgery to repair a skate cut to his right thigh.

The 24-year-old rookie and former Sioux Falls Stampede captain suffered a gash to his right femoral artery and vein during a practice Thursday. His family released a statement Monday thanking the Jets' training staff and players for their quick action, which the Redmonds say saved his life.

Redmond was accidentally cut by a teammate's skate during a drill. He was taken to the hospital and underwent a three-hour surgery.

He is out indefinitely.

The family says that "Zach is currently in positive spirits, and getting the rest he needs while surrounded by family and friends."

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