The Way We Play the Game

Recently, I read the article about Jack Jablonski, written by Karen Scneider, Cade's mom. I read another book this quarter too, but this nine-page article really struck me hard. It focuses not only on Jack, but also on the gut-wrenching experience of being a hockey mom and the love boys have for the dangerous game of hockey. As I read, I felt like I connected with her story. I don't even play hockey, but some of my friends do, and something like this could have happened to any of them, but it happened to one 15-year old, brave, Minnesota hockey player.

While reading, I could literally feel my heart sink. It described how hockey has gotten out of hand. It also gave details about how Jack Jablonski is feeling, and how sad it is for the kid who checked him. I feel more than horrible for both of them. It's almost impossible to believe how unlikely the chances were that he could become paralized from a check. The kid hit him just wrong and he hit the boards just right. Mrs. Schneider makes a great comparison with protons in her writing.

Aside from being devastating, the article was also uplifting. Jack has so much support and there are many people who want to make it safer out there on the ice. I finished reading the article with the hope that new goals will be accomplished in the sport.