Reese Ketler paralyzed in hockey game and then hears a doctor’s message he never expected

Reese Ketler was 18 years old when his hockey dream came to a sudden stop on December 19, 2019, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The young defenseman for the St. Vital Victorias junior team collided headfirst into the boards after a hit during a game.

That moment left him with a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him. Now 25, Ketler says he feels “lucky” to share his story with thousands online and inspire others who face the same fight.

Reese Ketler’s accident and recovery journey

The injury happened in Winnipeg while his mother was watching from the stands. Trainers and firefighters rushed to him, and he was quickly taken by ambulance to the hospital. He remembers losing feeling in his legs and praying as doctors prepared for surgery.

His family filled the waiting area, fearing the worst.Doctors told him the truth that he might never walk again. But one doctor gave him strength by saying, “You can still be successful. This will not end your life if you choose to fight.” Those words gave him hope.

Ketler spent four days in intensive care before moving to rehab. At first, he could not move his fingers, but with daily therapy, he slowly regained strength.

He worked out twice a day, rebuilding muscle and practicing small hand movements. Though the first year felt depressing, he stayed focused and kept pushing through.

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Reese Ketler’s new life and message

Reese Ketler stayed in rehab for months before finally returning home to Winnipeg. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, he faced long days alone without visitors, but he kept going. His determination cut his recovery time short, and he went home two months earlier than doctors expected. Today, Reese Ketler is a content creator with more than 361,000 TikTok followers. He uses his platform to motivate others, saying life after a spinal cord injury is not over. “I’m really lucky to be in the position where I can create content and inspire people,” he says. His story shows how tragedy can lead to strength and a new purpose.