Jablonski To Be Released From Rehab Institute

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A major milestone for Jack Jablonski -- the paralyzed high school hockey player will be leaving Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.

Jablonski is scheduled to leave Wednesday at 1 p.m. He's been a patient at the Institute since Jan. 23. The Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore suffered a paralyzing injury on Dec. 30 after he was checked from behind by a player from Wayzata High School.

"He's had a lot of milestones along the way," said Benilde-St. Margaret's Hockey coach Ken Pauly. "There's just nothing more special then getting back to your house."

Doctors removed the halo around his head in March. Earlier this month, doctors finally removed his neck brace.

Pauly saw Jablonski the Saturday before Easter Sunday and said he was happy to not have his neck brace on. "[Jack] said it was heaven being able to look around. He's able to move his neck around. He's in pretty good spirits. He's enthusiastic to be able to continue his rehabilitation and see how far he can come back."

A spokesperson for Allina Hospitals & Clinics said Jablonski is going to live in an accessible apartment temporarily until his family home is remodeled. He will continue with care on an outpatient basis.

"He's starting to get some degree of normalcy to his life," said Pauly. "When you can get back in your home with your family and keep working to go forward, all that's real positive."

Jack Jablonski and his little brother are scheduled to throw out the first pitch next Wednesday at Target Field before the Twins-Red Sox game.