It’s a cliché phrase that a life can change in a blink of an eye. However, it’s a phrase, although often overlooked, that brings truth to an unsettling time. Jack Jablonski, a 16-year-old high school sophomore at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, life changed just like that—in a blink of an eye.
What appeared to be a typical Friday night hockey game, took a turn for the worse in the second period when Jablonski was checked from behind into the boards. What started out as a blink of an eye turned into several minutes that Jablonski did not move. It was confirmed days later, after a 2.5-hour surgery, the solemn news that Jablonski would not walk or skate again.
Jablonski’s story has not only stunned the hockey community, but the entire nation. With outpours of support via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and CaringBridge it is evident that Jack Jablonski has captivated the hearts of many people. It was at a recent Benilde-St Margarat’s ‘white out’ basketball game that Jablonski was honored and a shirt in the crowd read, “I Believe In Miracles.”
Here in Alexandria, we too believe in miracles. As a piece of the hockey community, the players, coaches, fans and members of the Blizzard organization wish to be a part of the streaming support given to the Jablonski family.
On January 19, Jack Jablonski will officially be honored at the Runestone Community Center. The Blizzard host the Minot Minotauros at 7:30 p.m. It is to his honor that 50% of the ticket revenue will be donated to the Jack Jablonski Fund. Additional support can be met by purchasing t-shirts or making donations at the game that will go directly to the Jablonski family as well.
To keep up with the ‘white-out’ theme, the Blizzard ask all fans of Thursday night’s game to dress in white.
Jack’s story has touched the heart and soul of those that have known him well and of people that didn’t know him at all. The Blizzard encourages the Alexandria and surrounding communities to come to the Runestone Community Center in honor of Jack on January 19th. Like many of Jack’s friends and family have said, “You don’t need to know someone to pray for them.”
–end–
Written by: Kaylee Kulich
Public Relations/Community Relations
Alexandria Blizzard
