A Minnesota teen's hockey dreams came to a crashing halt when he was paralyzed during a junior varsity game for his school. Someone checked 16-year-old Jack Jablonski from behind, sending him headfirst into the boards.
Jablonski’s spinal cord was severed at the neck. Two of his vertebrae were fractured.
Despite the injury, Jablonski’s mom told HLN’s Ryan Smith her son didn’t accept the doctor’s prognosis that he’d never walk again.
“Jack is doing well, all things considered," says Leslie Jablonski. "He’s definitely determined. He’s already defying the odds.”
The Jablonski family is also trying to make youth hockey safer. They’ve asked players to take an online vow to eliminate unnecessary roughness during games.
Jack has received support from around the world. He's received 32 NHL jerseys and even a phone call from Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
“It's extremely overwhelming," says Leslie. "I don't know how we would get through this without all of the support because it is so uplifting. It puts a smile on Jack's face. At first, I don't think he had a clue what was going on outside the hospital walls. Once he realized, it lifted his spirits.”
Jack is recuperating at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis. Click here to learn more about Jack, follow his recovery, or to donate to The Jack Jablonski Fund.
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