AHA supports #jabs
Jan. 7, 2012
The AHA sent the following message to all AHA teams:
AHA Players,
AHA Hockey has always been governed by two primary principles: parity and safety. A recent incident in a high school hockey game is a difficult reminder of the latter and the potential risks all hockey players face when they hit the ice. As many of you have heard by now, Jack Jablonksi, a 16-year-old sophomore on the Benilde-St. Margaret’s junior varsity hockey team, was severely injured in a game last week as a result of an accidental check from behind. Jack had spinal fusion surgery this week but unfortunately doctors do not believe Jack will walk again.
The Minnesota State High School League has urged all coaches, officials, and players to renew efforts to emphasize safety techniques. The Minneapolis Hockey Association announced “Jack’s Pledge: Playing Hockey The Right Way.” Created by the leaders, coaches and parents of Minneapolis Hockey and endorsed by the Jablonski family, and Jack himself, “Jack’s Pledge” is a player- and coach-driven program designed to emphasize playing hockey the right way by pledging to minimize violence and enhance safety in hockey. By taking Jack’s Pledge, players and coaches commit to knowing the rules of the game and by playing by a strict interpretation of the rules. Players pledge to do their best to avoid penalties and situations that lead to dangerous play and unsafe situations.
As for AHA Hockey teams and players, this is a good time to remind ourselves and our teammates that safety is of the utmost importance during hockey games and that any contact, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to serious injuries. AHA is, of course, a non-checking league and it’s always good to remember that all of us are playing this game for recreational purposes and, as we like to say, we all have to go to work in the morning.
For more information on Jack, and how to help Jack and his family in this most difficult time, visit the links below:
Mail donations to:
Jack Jablonski Fund
P.O. Box 16387
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2618You can also help by purchasing “Jack Jablonski #13 BE STRONG” bracelets. Many local rinks will have them for sale or you can email wristbandsforjabby@gmail.com directly to place your order.
AHA Hockey
