Darkness & Light

Jeremy Stasiuk lost an eye playing hockey, but plays on without regret
sees things a lot differently now and it has nothing to do with losing his left eye.

Enduring 12 eye surgeries in four years, Stasiuk has persevered through six seasons of pro hockey in Europe.

“My first year over there, I get my eye ripped out by a skate,” Stasiuk says. “I’ve now got a glass shell over my eye and, yet, overall, I have not one negative thing to say about it.

“I lost my eyesight, but it’s been such a good thing (otherwise). I’ve met a lot of good people. I found out a lot of things by myself. I learned a new language.

“It’s a very interesting thing to put yourself in a culture and become part of it. It shows yourself how much you appreciate being a Canadian.”

After three seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, including being team captain, Stasiuk headed to Europe to pursue a pro career and see the world.

Stasiuk had 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 38 games with the Bremerhaven REV in the 2.GBun League before an accident changed his life — and hockey career — forever.

“It was a freak accident 15 seconds into the game,” recalls Stasiuk, a 32year-old native of Saskatoon.

He collided with another player. As they were both falling, the skate of the opposing player caught him in the eye.

“In Germany over six years I’ve probably been in the hospital seven months. I’ve had 12 eye surgeries. It’s dead, but I’ve still got (a good) one. It could be worse, man. My dad says, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ I say to him, ‘I’ve got a guy who’s disabled next to me (in the hospital), a guy who’s 22 and can’t even eat by himself. I’ve got a 72-year-old guy who’s only got one leg. “I’m healthy really.” Still, Stasiuk spent agonizing months in a foreign hospital.

“I couldn’t speak a word of German and I was amongst all of these German people. I told my family to stay away, because it was too painful to visit (people) with all the stitches and movement.

“I had to do it by myself. I found my weaknesses and my strengths.”

Dogged determination has always been Stasiuk’s way.

“I was determined to prove that I could play again. The first season back certainly had its ups and downs. However, when the season ended, I scored a hat-trick in the (German OBL League) championship game to help win the championship, 4-1.

“I knew then why I came back. That changes a person in ways I can’t describe. It’s about finding what your limits are and going beyond your comfort level to satisfy something inside. “It sounds a bit dramatized.” Stasiuk is spending the summer taking classes at the University of Victoria.

As he contemplates retirement, he has accepted a transitional job as a player-coach in Austria.

“I want to give back something back to the game because it’s given me a lot of things. It’s given me a chance to challenge myself, but also see the world.

“They need someone to communicate the game to them and I think I can do the job. It’s a good opportunity. I also took the job because it allows me to travel and ski.

“The game comes first, but skiing is a sweet second option. I’m in powder and I’m in the Alps.”

Stasiuk was in Saskatoon earlier this month for the Huskies hockey alumni golf tournament. His plans for the future may include becoming a currency broker in Europe.

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to retire (from playing after next season),” he says.

His philosophy won’t change, however.


“Plan for tomorrow, but make sure you’re happy today.”

dzary@sp.canwest.com