‘I’m really excited’: Former Bronco moving forward with sledge hockey and Adidas

By Derek Craddock

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – It is never a dull moment in the life an Airdrie sledge hockey player.

By now, you know the story of Ryan Straschnitzki who was paralyzed following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, 2018.

Today, Ryan continues to write the next chapters of his story and now has some help.

Sporting giant Adidas reached out to Ryan offering a sponsorship deal which he said he couldn’t refuse.

“Not many kids my age get this chance. We’ve been talking over the past couple months and they explained what the contract would hold. I’m willing to live up to their expectations and prove that I’m willing to have this contract.”

READ MORE: Paralyzed Humboldt Broncos players inks deal with Adidas

Under the contract, Adidas will supply Ryan with training equipment and give him the opportunity to speak at several public events. What he’s most excited about though is the chance to train with current and former NHL stars.

“Gary Roberts, Connor McDavid, Tyler Seguin, Steven Stamkos, all these big NHL names. I’m really excited, words can’t describe.”

Ryan said that he trains at least five days a week at White Collar Boxing in Airdrie, that’s on top of his physio appointments and practices on the ice.

He still has dreams of making the Canadian Paralympic Sledge Hockey team, hopefully for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina D’Ampezzo.

 

It may seem like a lot of work but to Ryan, it’s become his greatest passion.

“It doesn’t feel like a job at all, even before the accident I was in this mindset of where I want to be. I enjoy training and being on the ice, it’s the same concept and I’m just enjoying the process.”

Ryan admits though there are always challenges along the way yet he perseveres and thanks to the support around him every day.

“I have good friends, good family and support groups all around, I can’t really complain.”

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