Jack Jablonski drafted by USHL’s Chicago Steel, as paralyzed player’s wish is granted
In Dec. 2011, Jack Jablonski’s hockey dreams were shattered.
Then a sophomore for Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.) High, Jablonski was paralyzed when he was accidentally checked from behind into the end boards at a holiday tournament.
His story captured the sympathy and attention of the hockey world, as donations poured in to help his medical expenses and support arrived from visiting NHL players.
He even spent some time with the Stanley Cup when Davis Drewiske of the Los Angeles Kings brought it by.
There have been plenty of surreal hockey moment for Jack Jablonski, including his "carrying the flag" for the Minnesota Wild before Game 3.
Another one arrived on Tuesday, courtesy of the United States Hockey League.
The USHL, the top junior hockey league in the U.S., was holding its Phase 2 Draft on Tuesday as teams filled out their 45-player lists. Jablonski put the following request on Twitter on Monday morning:
Dear USHL teams, Just thought I'd let u know I am eligible for tomorrow's draft. Sincerely Jack Jablonski
— Jack Jablonski (@Jabs_13) May 7, 2013
The Chicago Steel took his draft advice, and made Jack Jablonski their final selection in the 2013 Phase 2 Draft.
The Steel congratulated Jablonski
on Twitter for the selection; the 17-year-old hockey fanatic responded with one simple phrase: “Best Night Ever.”
Kudos to the Steel for making another one of Jack Jablonski’s dreams come true.
You can follow his rehab progress on his Caring Bridge journal.
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