[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    KEEPING OUR JUNIOR ATHLETES SAFE

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage of 
two young Minnesotans whose lives have been drastically changed 
recently while playing a sport they truly love.
  A December 30th high school hockey game began brightly for 16-year-
old high school sophomore Jack Jablonski, who scored the opening goal 
of the game. But a shocking check from behind during the second period 
left Jack paralyzed.
  And sadly, one week later, another young hockey player, 18-year-old 
Jenna Privette from St. Croix Lutheran High School, was hospitalized 
after also being injured during a game.
  Despite this, these two young athletes have not lost their love of 
the game and have shown incredible courage in the face of such terrible 
accidents.
  I am pleased that this weekend the Minnesota State High School League 
took swift action in announcing new rules that aim to make the game 
safer.
  I urge all of us to keep Jack, Jenna, and their families in our 
thoughts and prayers.

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