OT: Swiss Hockey Player Ronny Keller Paralyzed After Hit from Behind *WARNING for Video*

[TonsofPuppies*]

http://www.tsn.ca/other_sports/story/?id=417571

NOTTWIL, Switzerland -- Doctors treating Swiss ice hockey player Ronny Keller say he has been left paralyzed by his injuries sustained during a playoff game.

Swiss Paraplegic Centre doctor Michael Baumberger says Keller has sustained "permanent spinal paralysis" by damage to his fourth thoracic vertebra.

Bamberger says in a statement that Keller did not sustain head or brain injuries.

The Olten defender hit the boards head first in overtime of a second-tier playoff match against Langenthal on Tuesday.

Keller was treated on the ice and airlifted by helicopter to the specialist hospital at Nottwil, where he underwent surgery.

Swiss media reported that Langenthal player Stefan Schnyder has been questioned by police, and the hockey league is investigating his challenge with Keller.

*WARNING* The video's content is tough to watch.

Click to read more...

 

[G51 K81*]

This is why Kaleta should have gotten more than 5 games.

Most dangerous hit in hockey.

Feel bad for the guy in the video.

 

[LeafsJaysRaptors]

This is why Kaleta should have gotten more than 5 games.

Most dangerous hit in hockey.

Feel bad for the guy in the video.

This video makes me physically ill.

 

[The Lollipop King]

This is why Kaleta should have gotten more than 5 games.

Most dangerous hit in hockey.

Feel bad for the guy in the video.

Yes Kaleta should have gotten more than 5 games because a player got paralyzed in the Swiss league.

Freak accidents happen, I guarantee that the guy never though the hit would end up like that. He was engaging the body to pin him to the boards but overpowered him.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Feel terrible for that kid. This video needs to be circulated throughout the NHL.

 

[jmart21]

Horrible accident. Absolutely horrible.

But I'd question the "hit from behind" label. About 6ft from the boards the player decides to hold up and make contact with the opposing player, where he bounces off and into the boards. Sadly, this is a big mistake on his part.

 

[LeafsJaysRaptors]

Horrible accident. Absolutely horrible.

But I'd question the "hit from behind" label. About 6ft from the boards the player decides to hold up and make contact with the opposing player, where he bounces off and into the boards. Sadly, this is a big mistake on his part.

Wasn't Burke trying to push the "bear hug" thing during an NHL rules conference last year? That would help situations like this.. too late for this dude though

 

[93gilmour93]

That's awful. If the NHL doesn't start handing out real discipline to players for there actions soon the same thing will eventually happen to a player in the NHL. Brad Richards got lucky the other night but maybe if he fell into the boards on a slightly different angle we are looking at the same thing. 5 games to a player like Kaleta is a joke. Feel terrible for Ronny Keller.

 

[93gilmour93]

Feel terrible for that kid. This video needs to be circulated throughout the NHL.

100% agree

 

[Inconceivable]

Horrible accident. Absolutely horrible.

But I'd question the "hit from behind" label. About 6ft from the boards the player decides to hold up and make contact with the opposing player, where he bounces off and into the boards. Sadly, this is a big mistake on his part.

Agreed. Dunno why he was even questioned by the police

 

[Derrty]

That was hard to watch at game speed.

 

[TheTotalPackage]

It's sickening to know one's life can change for the worst in a split second like that.

 

[stakesishigh]

I've been avoiding watching the video cause I imagine it's rough but that is just a horrible thing to occur in the game of hockey.

 

[leugangen]

Watching this video ruined my day.

 

[saint2e]

I've been avoiding watching this video. Sounds like it's a good idea to continue to do so.

 

[parker171*]

Wow I feel terrible for that kid, ruined my day, so sad.

 

[Schenn]

Really sucks for the guy, but i don't get why the other one is being questioned by police. Ron seems to have initiated the contact heading towards the boards and he was simply overpowered. It's a two way street on this play. Wish him the best, and hopefully one day he can live a normal last few again.

 

[smitty10]

Yes Kaleta should have gotten more than 5 games because a player got paralyzed in the Swiss league.

Freak accidents happen, I guarantee that the guy never though the hit would end up like that. He was engaging the body to pin him to the boards but overpowered him.

No, Kaleta should have received more than 5 games because it would send the message that those plays are not part of the game. 5 games is a slap on the wrist. If Richards had ended up paralyzed then Kaleta would probably never play again. He should have received 10+ games to send a message to all players and due to his previous record.

 

[IBLEAF]

This kind of hitting is just DISGUSTING

 

[Twix]

Watching this, all I can think is that was the last time he'll ever move his limbs. He'll think about that moment for the rest of his life as he stares at immovable arms and legs. Stuff like this reminds how fragile life is, and everyday you step out your front door it might be your last.