He watched the puck glide between the sticks of his teammates. He watched the coach explain next play.

He didn’t touch the ice, but it wasn’t because he has a choice.

It’s because of the game, he got checked and his leg moved a season ending position.

It’s because of the game, number 45 continued to skate for over a period— after feeling his leg tear.

It’s because of the game, number 45  tore a tendon in his hip flexor.

It’s because of the game, senior Drayton Collis was sidelined.

He kept watching his teammates compete against their opponents.

He kept meeting the team on the ice at the end of every game to say, “Good job.”

He continued to be the most positive version of himself.

With the support of his team and self confidence, Collis is expected to play again—but it won’t be in those blue and silver jerseys.

It was a struggle.

It was a journey.

It’s something that nobody would like to go through.

It’s an experience he will not forget.

It’s something that he became stronger from.

It’s something that will make him who he is.