Humboldt Broncos accident survivor Jacob Wassermann makes his debut representing Canada at the Paralympics

The Humboldt Broncos endured an unimaginable tragedy when their team bus crashed injuring or resulting in the passing of almost every single person on board. The crash in 2018 sent a shockwave through the hockey community and led to a worldwide mourning of many players lost and some who were still fighting for their lives.

One of those players who was fighting for his life was Jacob Wassermann. Ultimately Jacob Wassermann lived but was left paralyzed due to the accident. Despite his new circumstances and disability Jacob Wassermann pushed forward getting back into sports.

In 2022 Jacob Wassermann found the sport of Para Rowing. Since finding the sport Jacob Wassermann has made a rapid rise to the top with one goal in mind representing Canada at the Paralympics. Today that goal was finally realized as Jacob Wassermann competed in Para Rowing at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Over three days of competition, Jacob Wassermann has raced in 3 different races. His best finish came in the 2,000-meter distance race where he placed 10th overall. Despite his best effort, this will be the end of the Paralympic Games for Jacob Wassermann and he now will set his sights on the 2028 Paralympics a bit closer to home in Los Angeles, California.

While the Paralympic Games might not have gone the way Jacob Wassermann had hoped he remains a vital part of the adaptive sport community. He along with his former Humboldt Broncos teammate and Para Ice Hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki have a voice and a presence to show the world what people with disabilities are capable of accomplishing.