Twenty years after tragic injury, Travis Roy is honored on Boston University’s home ice
Mayor Marty Walsh declared Tuesday “Travis Roy Day’’ in Boston.
On October 20, 1995, just 11 seconds into his first shift on the ice as a member of Boston University’s hockey team, Travis Roy’s life changed forever. While attempting to check an opposing player, Roy lost his balance, falling and hitting his head against the boards at near-full speed.
The collision broke two of the 20-year-old hockey player’s vertebrae, and left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Twenty years later to the day Tuesday night, Roy — who has since dedicated himself to helping others with spinal cord injuries — returned to BU’s home ice.
The Travis Roy Foundation hosted a day of events at Agannis Arena “to raise funds and awareness to enhance the lives of those living with spinal cord injuries and support funding research that will lead to a cure,’’ a press release said.
The day included speeches from ESPN anchor John Buccigross, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and former BU hockey coach Jack Parker. Roy also joined 200 Boston-area students from the Boys and Girls Club and local youth hockey groups for a screening of an ESPN E:60 documentary on his life.
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During the event, Boston Bruins owner Charlie Jacobs gave a special jersey to Roy, who signed a one-day contract with the team and dropped the ceremonial first puck in their October 12 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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The Bruins also donated $50,000 to the Travis Roy Foundation last month. Find out more about the organization here.
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