Former Humboldt player Ryan Straschnitzki takes 1st steps since crash

Former Humboldt Broncos player Ryan Straschnitzki is walking again for the first time since being paralyzed from the chest down in the team's fatal bus crash in April 2018.

Straschnitzki's father, Tom, shared a video Wednesday on Twitter showing his son taking his first steps with help from a therapist.

Bout time he got off his ass. 1st time since he boarded the bus that horrendous day. 2nd day of doing this. Therapist helping with knees and ankles so they dont buckle. Ryan did so good, I sent him to the beerstore for me. Im thinking he didnt go as Im still waiting. #thirstySON pic.twitter.com/memXrR4yX1

- Strazsr (@strazsr) November 20, 2019

Straschnitzki underwent surgery in Thailand earlier this month to have a stimulator implanted in his back, according to Leah Murray of Air 106.1 FM. The stimulator uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves, allowing Straschnitzki to move his legs and gain more core control.

"The therapist (told Ryan), 'You're going for a walk,'" Tom said. "I didn't think he was ready, I was afraid his knees would buckle or his ankles, but they made him go and he was training his brain.

"I went, 'Holy shit, last time he walked was when he walked onto the bus.'"

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