The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS - The family of a Minnesota high school hockey player paralyzed after a check from behind into the boards is pushing a safety pledge to help prevent such devastating injuries.
"It's going to make a big change," said Leslie Jablonski, Jack's mother. "We want the players to take ownership when it comes to playing the game safer."
The father, mother and younger brother of 16-year-old Jack Jablonski held a news conference Thursday with Jablonski's coach, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former NHL player, coach and executive Lou Nanne. They spoke about their goal of eliminating dangerous checks and bringing back the "beauty" of the game.
"There doesn't really need to be rule changes, but there has be enforcement," says Head Coach Ken Pauly of Benilde-St. Margaret's. "We all need to look in the mirror about this."
The hope with Jack's Pledge is that players and coaches will log on and commit to safer and smarter behavior on the ice.
The press conference was held at the Hennepin County Medical Center, where Jablonski has been hospitalized since the hit during a game on Dec. 30.
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