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Humboldt Broncos survivor returns to ice to chase new dream

Ryan Straschnitzki has set big goals for himself as he returns to hockey. (Twitter/@Stazsr)
Ryan Straschnitzki has set big goals for himself as he returns to hockey. (Twitter/@Stazsr)

Ryan Straschnitzki has no intention of quitting hockey.

Three and a half months after being paralyzed from the chest down as a result of the horrific bus crash that took the lives of 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos, Straschnitzki returned to the ice for the first time — and with new ambition.

Straschnitzki was outfitted with sledge hockey gear for a practice with Team Canada sledge star Chris Cederstrand.

The workout is expected to be the first of many, as the resilient teenager has his sights set on the Canadian Paralympic sledge hockey team, according to the Calgary Herald.

Regardless of whether or not Straschnitzki makes the Paralympics, or even continues to play sledge hockey either recreationally or competitively, he’s committed to staying involved in the sport he loves.

“I just want to get back on the ice, whether it’s sledge hockey or coaching or scouting…. I just love being on the ice, so anyway I can do that is awesome,” he told the CBC in May.

Straschnitzki recently returned to his home in Calgary after spending several weeks receiving specialized spinal treatment at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

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