Roughly three-and-a-half months ago, Ryan Straschnitzki’s life was forever changed.
He was on the Humboldt Broncos team bus on the way to a playoff game with his team in April when it collided with a semi.
The crash left 16 people dead and 13 injured, including Straschnitzki who was paralyzed from the chest down.
Now, after months of rehabilitation, he’s back on the ice.
Twitter videos posted Friday show the 19-year-old trying sledge hockey in Okotoks, Alberta.
“First time on the ice since April 5th. Biggest smile momma and I have ever seen,” tweeted his dad Tom.
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. pic.twitter.com/NXOyFqc6kf
— Strazsr (@strazsr) July 21, 2018
Former Team Canada sledge hockey player Chris Cederstrand, NHLer Corban Knight and Straschnitzki’s girlfriend Erika were on the ice with him.
Straschnitzki returned home to Airdrie earlier this month after receiving specialized spinal treatment in Philadelphia.