Best wishes to Pat Jablonski
The former Lightning goalie on Sunday fractured two vertebra in his back while body surfing off Anna Maria Island in Manatee County. The prognosis apparently is good after surgery Tuesday at Tampa General Hospital to ease pressure on a "pinched" spinal chord.
According to the team, Jablonski was walking (obviously, carefuly) on Wednesday morning and should be able to return home later this week. The Lightning even provided a quote:
"I want to thank everyone for their well wishes, thoughts and prayers during what has been perhaps the scariest time of my life," Jablonski said. "Thanks to a great medical team and surgical staff at Tampa General Hospital, I have had wonderful treatment and care and I look forward to going home and playing with my children very soon."
Jablonski, 41, was the Lightning's primary goalie in its inaugural 1992-93 season. He was 8-24-4 with a 3.97 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. He played 15 games in 1993-94 before being traded to Toronto for cash.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Get well Jabber.....but wasnt Wendell Young the #1 the 1st year? He was in net when we whooped the Blackhawks 7-3 and Chris Kontos scored 4 goals and BELLLLLLL-FOURRRRRRRRRRRRR, BELLLLLLLLL-FOURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR was in net for the 'hawks.....in our first friggin game EVER!!!!!!!!
Yes, I was there.
Posted by: OLd SKoOL | September 05, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hey Jabber just wishing you a speedy recoverand see ya this year at the games. Take care fay
Posted by: Fay | September 04, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Hi Uncle Pat,
We are wishing you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you again really soon.
We miss you and love you,
Ashley and Melissa
Posted by: Ashley | September 04, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Ditto the best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery, Jabber!
You were Okay.
I thought you and J.C. Bergeron would hold us for years. Sadly, the No Defense Tampa Bay Curse started with Young, spread through you guys, paused about 5 years ago, then picked right up again.
Tempest fugit.
Get well...
Posted by: Casper | September 04, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Best wishes for a "lightning-quick" recovery, Jabber :^D)
Posted by: Twinebulge | September 04, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Pat,
I am so relieved to hear the good report of your recovery. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.
The Hochkins Family Up North
Posted by: Mark Hochkins | September 04, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Once a Bolt always a Bolt!!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jabs.
TGH is one of the best hospitals in the area and I am sure they will take great care of you.
Posted by: Hockey Chic | September 04, 2008 at 04:27 AM
Pat Jabolonski is a Lightning legend. A lot of fans of today do not know who he is but I'll say this to them, he was an awesome guy in the community that truly helped to shape the Lightning's image early on off the ice. Best of luck recovering. You are the man!
Posted by: Jimmy | September 03, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Jabber!
Posted by: Fogelberg | September 03, 2008 at 10:57 AM