Former NHLer Stephane Veilleux Discusses His disastrous car crash

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Joshua Deeds
September 2, 2024 (7:25 PM)

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You could consider former NHLer Stephane Veilleux to be a lucky man, looking at the picture above. While the photo is indeed troubling, what's troubling is the increase is accidents, and those harmed by them lately.

Veilleux suffered a debilitating car crash on June 19th, as a teenage girl ran a stop sign, and her Toyota Highlander t-boned Veilleux in his Nissan Rogue, a troubling ordeal to go through.

Veilleux would assume something was wrong with him after the crash, and wouldn't be able to move his neck. He would be diagnosed after x-rays, with C1 vertebrae in multiple areas, and would have to be immobilized to prevent any chance of further damage.

"I'm lucky to not be paralyzed or worse," said Veilleux as per Mike Russo of The Athletic.

Veilleux was able to reach out his former NHL team, the Minnesota Wild which the team helped secure a Halo for him, thanks to their intervention. Prior to this, Doctor's thought surgery was unavoidable, which could've cost Veilleux his mobility in his neck for the remainder of his life.

Veilleux now has 4 pins drilled into his skull and will remain in the halo for a period of 3 months. This is a terrible situation for anyone to go through. His halo will preserve his health in the long run, despite the fact he won't be able to lie down to go to sleep.

In spite of it all, he feels lucky he avoided any more serious damage. This ordeal was highlighted over the past weekend, due to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's deaths by an alleged drunk driver. Veilleux has admitted it's not difficult to think about what would have happened to his loved ones if he wasn't as lucky.

"You think about that whole family now and what's ahead for them, and think, �That could have been my family,'» Veilleux says. «Their kids are going to grow up without a father, and that could have been mine. That's why I'm focusing on gratefulness."

Veilleux has been a symbol of resilience during the tribulation he is going through. However, he will maintain the approach towards this like he did during his NHL career: head-on and courageous.

"Look, life is hard. Everyone is battling something. Every one of us. This is my battle now. I am optimistic. I'm staying positive. It is a little scary to know what the outcome could be if I need surgery, but I'm built to be strong."

Source: Hockey Feed
Former NHLer Stephane Veilleux opens up about devastating car crash.