Humboldt Broncos player Ryan Straschnitzki, who became paraplegic after a horrific bus crash involving the junior hockey team, returned to the ice for the first time since the tragedy shocked Canada in April.
The fatal bus crash claimed the lives of 16 people and left 13 others, including Straschnitzki, injured.
Straschnitzki has used a wheelchair since the horrific crash due to serious spinal injuries, and used a sledge to move around the icy surface of the Okotoks skating rink, where he was invited for a tutorial along with Team Canada star Chris Cederstrand.
Ryan’s father Tom Straschnitzki, who recorded his son’s first sledge practice session, said he had never seen him as happy as he was last Friday, when he had an opportunity to touch the ice again.
“Day 1 of try outs. First time on ice since April 5. BIGGEST SMILE momma and I have ever seen. Thanks Chris Cederstrand and Okotoks Rink for this. Yes Corban Knight (Flyers) and Erika and I were out there also. It is NOT easy,” Tom Straschnitzki tweeted.
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The player is getting ready to take part in a fundraiser event on September 15 which will feature Paralympic sledge hockey players, NHL players, and his father.