FARMINGTON – Maine native Travis Roy captivated an audience of more than 100 people during the University of Maine at Farmington’s Rehab Awareness Day on Thursday.
Nearly a decade ago Roy played in his first collegiate hockey game with the Boston University team. In only 11 seconds his life changed forever when an accidental fall into the boards left him paralyzed. Both his fourth and fifth vertebrae were cracked in the accident, and he suffered extensive spinal cord damage.
Roy, who is originally from Yarmouth, spent the majority of his adolescence learning the game of hockey from his father and coach, Lee Roy. During his freshman year in high school, Roy decided he wanted to play Division 1 hockey, and just a few years later he found himself among the starting lineup for the Boston Terriers.
“The best way to stay motivated in life is through setting goals,” Roy said.
Ever since Roy was in grade school, he consistently set goals for both his hockey and educational career. Earning a starting spot on the Terrier roster was just one of many dreams Roy set for himself before the accident, he said.
Despite the life-altering accident, Roy said he remains optimistic and continues to set goals.
Roy spoke of the importance of always striving to be the best. He also placed particular emphasis on how important values and love played in his therapy.
“I spent hours in the weight room and rink just because I wanted to see how good I could be,” said Roy. Having spent almost 10 years in a wheelchair, Roy still believes that his accident happened for a reason and considers himself lucky to be able to spread the word about rehabilitation.
Without the extensive treatment he received at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Roy believes he wouldn’t be where he is today. Not only did he credit the center for having the most up-to-date technology, but he also recognized the dedicated and talented staff.
Before signing autographs and copies of his book titled, “Eleven Seconds,” Roy reminded the audience of the importance of being the best at whatever they do, and pointed out its significance in fields such as rehabilitation. Roy’s book, which he wrote with the help of Sports Illustrated writer E.M. Swift, has sold more than 40,000 copies.
Now a resident of Boston, Roy is now able to live the life he’s always planned thanks to his family and friends, he said. In 2000 he graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications. Even though he may never play hockey again, he still looks forward to one day getting married and having children of his own, he said.
“I believe it’s important to never limit oneself and always have an optimistic attitude,” he said.
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