Former NHL player details long road to recovery in wake of life-threatening car crash

Former NHLer Stephane Veilleux recently experienced a life-threatening car crash, detailing his long recovery ahead.

Stephane Veilleux played over 10 seasons in the NHL, appearing in 506 regular-season games scoring 50 goals and 106 points. He spent the majority of his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild, while also suiting up for the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils. Veilleux retired after the 2014-15 season.

On June 19, Veilleux's life took a drastic turn, experiencing a a life-threatening car crash. A teenager ran a stop sign, hitting Veilleux's car. He suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures to his C1 vertebra, requiring him to wear a halo vest to immobilize his neck for at least three months.

The halo vest limits his mobility, which prevents Veilleux from doing his day-to-day activities like sleeping and playing with his children. Through it all, he has remained positive, choosing to be grateful.

"'I'm lucky to not be paralyzed ... or worse," he told Michael Russo of The Athletic.

"Got to feed those bones," Veilleux said. "I'm trying to support myself with calcium and magnesium and all the natural stuff to heal. No different than when I played hockey with eating and being disciplined... I'm attacking this like a hockey player.

"I'm going to be a fighter. There is no room for self-pity," he added. "Life is hard, but I'm built to be strong. And I will heal.

"I'm attacking this like a hockey player."