Quantcast
skip navigation

How high school hockey in Minnesota has changed since Jack Jablonski's injury

By DAVID LA VAQUE and ALAN PALAZZOLO, 12/29/18, 7:00AM CST

Share

Penalties called for checking from behind and boarding are down significantly, according to a Star Tribune review of data from 18,000 games.


Official C.J. Beaurline, shown calling a penalty in a recent game between Centennial and Duluth East, said officials are told, '‘We can defend your call but we can’t defend your non-calls or a lesser call.'' Photo: RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII, Star Tribune

Just days after his life was changed forever by an illegal hockey check from behind, high school sophomore Jack Jablonski lay paralyzed in a hospital bed determined to see the sport become safer.

Seven years later, his mission — one shared by his family and hockey leadership in Minnesota — has yielded dramatic results.

A Star Tribune review of high school penalty data from more than 18,000 games played throughout Minnesota over nine seasons reveals a significant drop in calls for checking from behind and boarding infractions.

Click here to read the full story.

Hockey Hub Headlines

  • Five reasons Edina became a state champion

  • By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune 03/11/2024, 9:30am CDT
  • The 14th state championship for Edina/Edina East featured, of course, a hot goalie, but it also came with a list of intangible reasons for success.
  • Read More