Waterloo Region Record

Paralyzed Bronco Straschnit­zki hopes for future in sledge hockey

- BILL GRAVELAND

CALGARY — Ryan Straschnit­zki spent an hour at his second home Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Albertan, who was paralyzed from the chest down in a bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team, spent an hour practising sledge hockey at the Winsport Centre in Calgary under the watchful eye of former national team member Chris Cederstran­d.

“It feels like when you’re on the ice you have nothing to worry about, so I just like being out here and having fun,” Straschnit­zki said.

“It’s pretty exciting. I mean, you’re learning a new way to play the game and I’m enjoying it, so it’s good. I’m still working on it and hopefully I’ll get better,” he added.

Sledge hockey is one of the more popular events at the Winter Paralympic Games. It became an official event in 1994 in Lillehamme­r, Norway.

Instead of skates, players use double-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting.

“It’s the balancing for sure. The sled and the way you move is a lot different, so that’s something I’ve got to work on,” Straschnit­zki said.

“I’ll just keep practising sledge to hopefully get good and long term make the Olympic team and win a gold medal, but for now I’m just out here having fun.”

Cederstran­d, who retired from the national team 18 months ago, said Straschnit­zki is getting the hang of it pretty quickly.

“He came out and he picked it up amazingly quick, and he’s a kid willing to put in the time and effort, so the sky’s the world for him in sledge hockey,” Cederstran­d said.

“It obviously takes a lot of work and practise, but Ryan’s got that drive and ambition to do that, so we’re hoping for the best for him.”

Sixteen people died April 6 when a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos to a playoff game collided with a semi-trailer at a rural intersecti­on. Thirteen others, including Straschnit­zki, were injured.

Cederstran­d said combined with his work ethic, playing sledge hockey should do wonders for Straschnit­zki’s long-term recovery.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing for him. I know what it’s like to be a young kid aspiring to play hockey for a career. As a young kid playing junior hockey, the ice is your second home,” he said.

Cederstran­d was all over the ice, whipping his sled around and firing pucks into the net. It’s what Straschnit­zki is aiming for.

“He’s insane. The turns, the shots. It’s something I want to do someday.”

 ?? TODD KOROL THE CANADIAN PRESS ?? Ryan Straschnit­zki, who was paralyzed in April’s Humboldt Broncos bus crash, practises his sledge hockey skills in Calgary.
TODD KOROL THE CANADIAN PRESS Ryan Straschnit­zki, who was paralyzed in April’s Humboldt Broncos bus crash, practises his sledge hockey skills in Calgary.

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