Exactly four years ago today I shared the ice with Nathan Abelein, and this morning we shared it again!
Four years ago, Nathan Abelein needed a walker and constant oxygen just to travel short distances. If you look carefully you can see his oxygen on the bench behind him. During the darkest days his wife Merrelyn had been summoned not once, not twice, but three times to the hospital to say “goodbye” as the doctors didn’t think Nathan would make it through the night. Well he did make it but was discouraged that he may never play the game that he loves with all his heart.
Hockey has been a huge part of Nathan’s life for as long as he can remember and it appeared that the COVID that nearly took his life had taken his passion. But that’s before he met the crew that we call “Hockey Heals”!
It’s been a long journey with lots of peaks and a few valleys, but we can honestly say that “Nate the Great” is back! Each week he wows us as we witness our friend navigate the APEX ice. Passing, shooting , scoring, smiling, and most importantly, breathing normally! It is a beautiful sight.
Here’s to second chances! It’s the Dawg way!
