www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 26, 2007 - 7 Injured player needs rest Warm Your Soul Continued from page 1 cracked vertebra in his neck after being hit from behind into the boards during the second period of the Blades' game against the Hamilton Red Wings. But that doesn't mean his longtime dream of playing NCAA hockey is over, according to Monardo's mother, Andrea. "The boy has been through one hell of a lot in his life," Andrea said Wednesday, noting that Domenic's father, Tony, passed away when Domenic was just 10 years old. "But his dream of hockey has been kept up, and I'm very proud of him. Fortunately, he has one more year of eligibility (with the Blades), so that's extremely positive. It could have been a horrible situation where he couldn't even walk... he's been working so hard to achieve his dream of playing in the NCAA as a university student-athlete. That's his dream... it just took a little diversion." Domenic, who returned to his north Oakville home Tuesday evening, is able to stand up, walk and eat. His head is cradled by a neck brace, making it difficult to sleep, and he will be on strong medication for the next two weeks to deal with the pain. He remains in good spirits, however, thanks in part to the support of his family and friends. His Blades teammates bought him an Xbox entertainment system, and he has received telephone calls from old hockey buddies like Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Stefan Legein and New Jersey Devils first-round pick Matt Corrente. "And of course there's good old Luke Moodie (Domenic's Blades teammate and longtime friend) with him, happy to miss workouts to be with his buddy," Andrea said with a laugh. Doctors have told the Monardo family that Domenic's neck should be back to normal within 12 weeks, although he is not permitted to participate in contact sports for a minimum of six months. Surgery was not performed on the crack in his C2 vertebra, at the recommendation of Hamilton orthopedic surgeon Dr. Drew A. Bednar. not put stress on the "(Dr. Bednar) said if neck or spine. the vertebra was moved "No one wants this to and not aligned, there happen and you just would have been no cringe. Any mother or question for surgery," father that has had their Andrea said. "Because it child play hockey, you is fractured and still cringe," Andrea said. "I aligned, (Dr. Bednar) shouldn't say this is veers on the side of nonyour worst nightmare, surgical (treatment), because it could be a lot because that's one less worse, but it's very thing that can go scary. Very scary. wrong." "I know he will heal Domenic Monardo Domenic had been and I know he will be working for the George McDonald fine in the long run. It's one more hurHockey Camp at Canlan Ice Sports, dle for him to cross," she added. "And teaching young children to skate. Many he'll do it. I'll make sure he does it." of those children's parents have already Hamilton defenceman Steve Spade sent e-mails of encouragement. received a major penalty - not a match, He will spend the next month rest- which would also include an automatic ing and doing online studies, Andrea two-game suspension and a game missaid, with limited mobility until conduct for the hit. Christmas. Domenic then hopes to Ontario Hockey Association presibegin a slow progression of workouts, dent Brent Ladds when contacted perhaps starting by riding an exercise Wednesday, said the league was investibike or doing weightlifting that does gating the incident. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 Stuart McLean THE VINYL CAFE With Special Guest DAN HILL Mon., Oct. 29 @ 7:30 PM Living Arts Centre, Mississauga Interested in enjoying and learning about wine in a relaxed, social environment? The Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club is accepting new members. Please go to www.oakvillewine.ca for details. a Remember, Guests are always welcome. 1-888-805-8888 www.livingartscentre.ca STUART MCLEAN A VINYL CAFE CHRISTMAS Dec. 13, 14, & 15 @ 8 PM & Dec. 16 @ 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM Convocation Hall, Toronto www.ticketwindow.ca 1-877-700-3130 Contact us at oakvillewine@gmail.com Allegro $ central vacu central vacuum Allegro systems systems POWER PACKAGE Spot! Since 1952 299.99 Up to 3,000 sq. ft. Easy to install, 7 year warranty Includes 30' airhose, full cleaning set (incl. rug & floor attachments, wands and hose rack) Save 25% Bottle o remove f spot each orr with der! FREE! Buy Factory Direct with Substantial Savings Proudly Made In Oakville For Over 10 Years. 1338 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE 905.825.3995 www.allegrovacuums.com