Hockey player who was paralyzed during a game has launched a $1 million dollar lawsuit

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Joshua Deeds
September 10, 2024 (8:57)

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Mike Glemser is a hockey player in the Germany3 league, he was paralyzed after a hit by Jan-Niklas Piestch which broke two vertebrae.

Glemser was paralyzed from the neck down which led to him filing a civil lawsuit in Germany's court system. The hit happened in February 2023, when Glemser was playing for the Rosenheim Starbulls, and was checked into the boards by Piestch of Riessersee SC. Initially, he didn't blame Piestch but would file suit afterward for what equals $1 Million USD.

You can see the hit in the video below, as Piestch checks Glemser into the boards behind Glemser's net. Glemser would then fall to the ice, unable to move.

Glemser's lawyers want to hold Piestch responsible for Glemser's paralysis, and hold him liable for all damages, that happen afterward. Piestch's lawyers countered that argument, saying it'd set a "dangerous precedent" for all sports who operate on contract in Germany.

"A ruling in favor of Glemser could have an impact on other sports. Then, fouls in sports such as ice hockey, football or handball, which lead to punishments such as time penalties or expulsions during the games, could be interpreted as physical assault afterwards."

This brings up a topic with a lot of grey area surrounding it: What is fair play, and when is intent? These will be things to consider during Glemser's lawsuit.

Coincidentally, both Glemser and Piestch were teammates during the 2020-2021 season, with the Hanover Scorpions.

Glemser will remain confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In a show of love and solidarity, fans and players put together a GoFundMe for Glemser, which raised closer to $800,000 USD.