NHL Death shrouds Heatley future

The Thrashers All-Star faces a vehicular homicide charge.
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) -- Atlanta Thrashers All-Star Dany Heatley faces the added burden of a vehicular homicide charge in the death of teammate Dan Snyder.
"He's an emotional wreck," said Heatley's attorney, Ed Garland. "He's grieving the tragic death of Dan Snyder. That's been almost his entire focus."
Snyder died at a hospital Sunday night, six days after sustaining severe brain injuries in a horrific car crash in Heatley's sports car. Snyder was 25.
Heatley, the 22-year-old leader of the team, also was injured.
He had surgery Saturday for a broken jaw and an MRI found two torn ligaments in his right knee. Garland said that Heatley was released briefly from the hospital Monday to spend time with family, but he was scheduled to return to have knee surgery today.
Garland said Heatley hoped to attend Snyder's funeral Friday in Elmira, Ontario, with the rest of the team. He must receive clearance from the authorities, Garland said.
Last season, Heatley scored a team-record 41 goals and was MVP of the All-Star game.
"I haven't discussed the charges with him, other than to explain them to him," Garland said. "His sole focus is Dan Snyder and the Snyder family."
Reckless driving
A spokesman for the district attorney's office, Erik Friedly, said the vehicular homicide charge was based on a preliminary finding that Heatley was driving recklessly.
It carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years.
General manager Don Waddell said team officials held internal discussions about possibly delaying Thursday night's season opener, but the Snyder family persuaded them to play.
"When I talked to the Snyder family, they really expressed their concern for the team and how we move forward," Waddell said at a news conference at the team's headquarters in suburban Atlanta. "They really felt the team needed to play."
The Thrashers were scheduled to practice this morning. They open the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Heatley also faces four misdemeanor counts, each of which are punishable by up to a year in prison. He is free on $50,000 bond.
"We are overwhelmingly saddened and distraught over this tragic loss," the Heatley family said in a statement released by the Thrashers. "Dan was a genuine and caring individual, and a tremendous friend to us all.
"Our deepest sympathies and compassion go out to his parents and their entire family."
Ferrari crash
Police said Heatley was driving his Ferrari at about 80 mph on a narrow two-lane road Sept. 29 when he lost control, spun off the road and smashed into a brick and wrought iron fence.
Snyder, who was a passenger in the car, had surgery for a skull fracture but remained in a coma until his death.
"We all were hoping for the best result," Waddell said. "We thought he was making good progress. He was battling, the same way he did on the ice."
Heatley's case has yet to be presented to a grand jury, which would decide on the formal charges, Friedly said.
Prosecutors are waiting for more evidence before taking their case to the grand jury.
Police were also awaiting test results to determine if Heatley was drinking on the night of the wreck. There is "no conclusive indication" that Heatley was drinking, Friedly said.
Heatley and Snyder had been at an event for season-ticket holders at Philips Arena shortly before the crash.
Snyder, a center who had 10 goals and four assists in 36 games for Atlanta last season, had surgery on his ankle in September before the start of training camp.
He was expected to start the season on the injured list.