Tobias Forsberg reveals the extent of his injuries in heartbreaking social media post.

This is definitely one of the more heartbreaking stories I have had to cover in the hockey world this year. 

Although it has not been a major story in North America, Swedish forward Tobias Forsberg suffered a major injury dating all the way back to early January of this year. Forsberg was seriously injured in a game played on the 2nd of January and it was quite evident from the very beginning that he had been seriously injured on the play. Thankfully for Forsberg the people of Sweden responded in terrific fashion and have rallied around him in a great show of support, with Forsberg even being honored before, during and after several games during the remainder of the season across multiple organizations in the league. 

On Saturday however Forsberg provided an update on his condition for the first time in a very long time and a part of that update was providing an indication on where he is now in his life and what his recovery has been like. I am sad to say that while Forsberg has tried his very best to put a positive spin on things here, the news he had to share was nothing short of a tragedy. Forsberg would reveal that not only had he not fully recovered from the injuries he suffered months ago, but revealed that he was paralyzed from the chest down. He even provided specific detail regarding the paralysis that he has suffered, indicating that he has only limited movement in his arms and none in his fingers at all. 

Forsberg issued the statement in Swedish of course and here is a rough translation of that message using translations software:

I still have difficulty understanding that it was as it turned out, that this damage would be so extensive. I still have a hard time landing in that reality. Not just being forced to end up with ice hockey, something that has been a big part of my life, but something even more. To sit in a wheelchair.

You often compare yourself with your strongest self and to feel so weak sometimes fills everything with a feeling of helplessness. The injury has caused me to be paralyzed below the chest, have impaired function in the arms and none in my fingers.

It's in that reality I'm trying to land.

Regardless of how dark this is, at the end, at the moment I have felt that I have grown into the situation and understood that this will be a long struggle. Without the support I received from my family, I would never have come here in this process. They have been at my side from day one. For the enormous support of all possible ways I first realized the extent of the end, I feel such gratitude. Feel honored and fortunate that so many people care. All this, all the greetings and typhoons, messages on social media and consideration everywhere from has been a great support when I have felt myself as the weakest. Thanks. And at least as much thanks to all the healthcare staff who have taken care of me. You are the gold host. Thanks!

Although this has faced me with challenges I could never have imagined, I try to move forward every day. I just got back the match jersey I wore on that day. The one that the healthcare workers had to cut apart. Now it is bundled together and almost like before, just like me.

I certainty have a great deal of respect for Forsberg and his efforts to put a positive spin on such a horrific tragedy, but I genuinely hope that he makes as close to a full recovery as he can someday. No one, especially no professional athlete, should ever have to live this way.