Jack Jablonski Has One Heck of a Week

It's been a busy few days for Jack Jablonski, the Benilde-St. Margaret's student who sustained a paralyzing injury during a hockey game in 2012.

Only a few days after the Minnesota Wild invited Jablonski to serve as flag bearer before the team's first Stanley Cup home playoff game—the Wild defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime that night—he was drafted by the USHL's Chicago Steel.

In a blog post on Jack's CaringBridge page, Leslie Jablonski said her son was simply joking around when he sent out a tweet addressing the United States Hockey League's draft. The shock was all his, however, when the Chicago Steel selected him with the final pick of the draft.

"Never in his wildest (no pun intended) dreams did he think a team would actually pick him up," Leslie wrote. "But the Chicago Steel did. And what a classy move it was."

She said Jack and his father, Mike, have already been in talks with the Steel's head coach, who are serious about helping Jack further his hockey career.

"See, hockey sticks together," she wrote. "That's what I'm talking about."

Here is the full CaringBridge post:

Such a profound saying...."Hockey Sticks Together." So true. We know. First hand. 

It's no secret that the hockey community has been extremely supportive since the day Jack was injured on the ice. Well, so many communities were beyond supportive. But there's something special about the hockey world. Jack always talked about hanging with the guys in the locker room. He never shared the details. Never. But it was easy to see the bond that developed between the players.  

And that bond has evolved from the locker room to the NHL. Imagine how excited we were when the MN Wild called to invite Jack to be the flag bearer before the first Stanley Cup home playoff game. And it didn't stop there. They asked if all four of us would participate in the pre-game celebration. What an honor! 

Mike and Max proudly shouted out the traditional "Let's Play Hockey" rally after Jack rolled on the ice with the game flag. The crowd went crazy. What a spectacular moment. Goosebumps!! Max held court as he captured the attention of over 18,000 fans when he asked them to join him in cheering on the Wild. And guess what? (well, you already know) It was a thrilling game. The Wild won in OT. Sadly, that was their last win of the season ;  ( 

The good news/bad news is this: 

The bad news. I missed the game and its festivities. Thank goodness for friends with cameras as well as the Wild's posting of the pre-game activities. 

The good news. I was able to escape, with the blessing of my boys, to join my high school (even grammar school) gal pals for an incredibly fun weekend at a New Hampshire inn. Only one friend knew I was flying out for the annual get-together, and boy, did we surprise the others !!! It was a weekend filled with laughter, tears, reminiscing, and precious time with the girls I've known almost all my life. 

And the excitement continues. Last Monday night (5/6), Jack posted a tweet addressing the upcoming '95 draft for the USHL, the top junior league for amateur hockey players. As he's said a few times, he thinks he's funnier after his injury. I'd have to agree. He's got wit. So, he posted the following tweet: "Dear USHL teams, just thought I'd let u know I am eligible for tomorrow's draft. Sincerely, Jack Jablonski." Good one Jack. 

Never in his wildest (no pun intended) dreams did he think a team would actually pick him up. But the Chicago Steel did. And what a classy move it was. Their tweet: "With the final pick the Steel draft Jack Jablonski. Congrats @Jabs_13 on becoming a member of the Steel!" Jack responded with "Best night ever." 

Holy Cow. Wow. The coach called Jack. And Mike talked to him as well. They're serious. Their mission? To help Jack further his hockey career. Impressive. See, hockey sticks together. That's what I'm talking about. 

An exciting week it was. 

However, it was also a rough week for Jack. He's been experiencing frequent headaches, often debilitating, that have been accompanied by nausea, dizziness, excessive spasms and dysreflexia. We spent several sleepless nights by Jack's side (thank you to our dear friends who sat up with us), putting ice packs on his forehead while trying to keep him calm.

I only mention this because it was a reality check. We're often super excited about the wonderful opportunities bestowed upon Jack and our family. It's easy to forget what's actually happened. 

It's also easy to look at Jack and only see Jack, not the power chair or the paralysis. But it's there. And it will be for a long time. Hopefully not a lifetime. We know we've got a long journey ahead of us. Yet we can't forget how fragile Jack's condition can make him. We're grounded by the setbacks while we remain optimistic that Jack's determination will help him overcome his paralysis. Some day. 

Our wish right now is that we can get to the bottom of what's been triggering the headaches and discomfort. Jack has appointments with several of his doctors this week, and he'll be having two MRI's on Wednesday - one of his neck and one of his head. Please send positive thoughts his way. 

This too shall pass, hopefully sooner rather than later. 

As always, we're forever grateful for all of the good in our world. 

xoxo

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