April 6, 2018 is a day that will forever weigh heavily on the hearts of hockey fans across the globe.

The Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League were traveling to compete in game five of their series against the Nipawin Hawks in the SJHL playoffs when their bus collided with a semi-truck.

The horrific accident would leave 16 dead. The remaining 13 passengers would also suffer injuries, most of which were very serious.

Among the injuries, Humboldt defenseman Ryan Straschnitzki was left paralyzed from the chest down.

He was told he would never walk again, but the former Bronco refused to give up. Straschnitzki had one thing on his mind. Doing whatever it takes to make Canada's Sledge Hockey Team, and go for the gold.

Once released from the ICU and able to, he would take to the ice to learn the adapted version of the sport he's spent a lifetime loving.

He would also work tirelessly, making great strides following the accident, to regain whatever mobility he could to improve his quality of life.

One effort included a trip to Thailand, where he would undergo experimental surgery that implanted a stimulator device into his spine, allowing the nerves in his brain to communicate with his lower body.

Straschnitzki has seen drastic improvements following the surgery, including movement in his legs and taking his first steps, which he accomplished this past November.

On Tuesday, Ryan continued to make his newly found goal of joining Team Canada into a reality, as he suited up and took to the ice in Thailand. It was a beautiful sight on the 7th floor of Central Plaza Mall, as Straschnitzki made his way across the rink.

While it's been a very tough, uphill battle for Ryan, this is a truly powerful moment to witness. A moment that represents triumph and the resiliency of the human spirit.

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