Humboldt Broncos defensemen Ryan Straschnitzki had the chance to catch up with some old friends when the Flyers came to Calgary to take on the Flames. A native of Alberta, he was able to meet up with the team at their hotel.
It wasn’t the first time Straschnitzki had spent time with the Flyers. Back in 2018, he was in Philadelphia as a part of his rehabilitating process at Shriner’s Hospital. Him and his family had the opportunity to come out to the team’s development camp in Voorhees.
"“It’s been amazing. They have done so much, and I can’t thank them enough. It’s been great to be here, and I have learned a lot [about the organization and the city],” Straschnitzki said back in 2018."
While in the area, Straschnitzki was honored by the Flyers Alumni Association as well. Named an honorary member, he was brought to the Alumni Golf reception via a limousine and was given a customized jersey as well.
Meeting the team in Calgary, he had a signed stick ready for Claude Giroux. The team returned the favor there as well, signing their own stick for him. He had the opportunity to mingle and take photos with the group as well.
https://twitter.com/nhlflyers/status/1454475240483008514?s=21
Straschnitzki has taken amazing strides since he was one of many involved in the bus crash that tragically took the lives of 16 players, coaches, and support staff. 13 others were injured in the crash. The remaining survivors reunited for the first time since the crash back in July.
#Bel13ve 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/hXHJYr6V4v
— Kaleb Dahlgren (@KalebDahlgren) July 19, 2021
As for Straschnitzki, he received spinal surgery in November of 2019. Doctors implanted an epidural stimulator into his back in the hopes of helping him regain movement. And for the first time since the accident, Straschnitzki was able to take his first steps with a walker in August of this year.
He remains committed to returning to the ice and is looking to play sled hockey once again at the processional level. Participating in events with the Calgary Flames will be an option for him as well.