Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender Wasserman qualifies for Paralympics
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender Jacob Wasserman qualifies for Paralympics
On April 6, 2018, the lives of dozens of people changed when a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos Jr. A Hockey Club was involved in a crash that took the lives of sixteen people, and altered the lives of thirteen more. However, almost six years later, with the idea that we will never forget that fateful day, comes word of another triumph over tragedy as a result of those few moments that will live with the hockey community forever.
Jacob Wassermann, a goaltender for the Broncos, was on the bus in rural Saskatchewan when it was hit broadside by a smile. His injuries were serious, and as a result, he is now paraplegic. But without using Wassermann as an inspiration but rather as an example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish, the twenty-four-year-old recently qualified for a quota reallocation spot for the Paralympic games in rowing, a sport in which he took up after the accident.
Wassermann's story is not unique, as many of those involved in the crash who survived have been fortunate enough to heal and move forward with their lives, accomplishing many great feats. Ryan Straschnitzki took his passion for the game of hockey and, after the accident, has become one of Alberta's top para hockey players, also suiting up for Team Canada's para hockey development team. He has a foundation named in his honour as well. He does some motivational speaking across the country. Kaleb Dalgren went to school to become a chiropractor and is also a mental health advocate, on top of being a motivational speaker as well.
By no means does everyone who experiences a traumatic experience bounce back in the way Wassermann and many of his teammates have, and in fact, more often than not, it doesn't happen. Their progress and success are a testament to the support that they have been afforded and their overall mental fortitude. Hoping continued support and success to those involved in the events of early April those years ago and that we see their names in good standing for years to come.
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