Ryan Straschnitzki, was part of the Humboldt Broncos in 2018, and was involved in the tragic bus crash that occurred on April 6, 2018. As a result, Ryan was left paralyzed from the waist down. Despite not having the usage off his legs, Ryan is still determined to continue his hockey career. Shortly after the crash, Straschnitzki has made it his goal to join Canada's sledge hockey team and win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, and on September 15,2018, Ryan suited up in his first sledge hockey game for the Cowboys 'n Sleds event.
Straschnitzki is set to depart on a 5-week journey to Thailand later this week for a spinal surgery that could help restore some of his movement. He will get an epidural stimulator implanted in his spine, which can bring back certain functions such as muscle movement, and bladder control.
The stimulator is a small device that sends small electrical currents to the spinal cord to help stimulate nerves and move limbs.
Although there isn't any ice in Thailand, Ryan still plans on bringing his sled with him so he can sit in the sled and practice his shots and puck control.
We wish Ryan the best of luck with surgery, and with all of his future endeavors.
