Bob Collins
A few people in Minnesota hockey circles were upset that Jack Jablonski was not allowed on the ice to share in the immediate aftermath of Benilde-St. Margaret’s victory in the state Class AA hockey championship. Jablonski was paralyzed in December after he was checked from behind.
It may not surprise many people that behind the decision was an insurance company.
Minnesota State High School League president Dave Stead posted this explanation on the organization’s Facebook page this afternoon:
A number of people have asked questions about why Jack Jablonski was not on the ice for the award ceremony on Saturday night. Jack was not listed as a member of the official roster, but the League staff worked directly with the school and the coaching staff to ensure that Jack could be an important part of his school team before and following each game.
Championship medals are awarded to each member of the team, team managers and coaches. A school can also request additional medals for players, and we accommodate all teams in all sports to ensure that their needs are appropriately addressed in a timely manner.
In order to make sure the $2 million Lifetime Catastrophic Insurance policy the League purchases for each athlete was not at risk, the League’s insurance carrier was contacted. I was informed that if an accident of any type would have occurred, the insurance claim may well have been jeopardized.
The MSHSL joins everyone in Minnesota and beyond in wishing Jack all the best in the future.
Dave
