Travis Roy inspires students at Worcester State College

(NECN: Katie Daly, Worcester, Mass.) – Travis Roy captured the eyes and attention of students at Worcester State College Wednesday. The former Boston University hockey player, now motivational speaker, inspired many as he spoke about the challenges he’s faced. His biggest hurdle in life came 14 years ago. Roy had accomplished his big dream of playing in his first collegiate hockey game. But just 11 seconds after stepping on the ice, one play changed his life forever. “As they took me off that ice I knew I would never play hockey again. I knew my life was over as I knew it …it was a sad moment.” Roy was paralyzed from the neck down. Students listened as he talked about the strength it took to adapt to his new life. John Cahalane is a hockey player at Worcester State College. It was important for him to thank Roy for writing his book eleven seconds. The book chronicles his accident and highlights how he coped with his disability. “Reading his book changed my life made me realize everything I wanted.” “I know these students were young at the time of my injury but I think a lot of the lessons I’ve learned and the experience I’ve been through-I think everyone comes away with something if not several things. To go home and I think about-hopefully get them to think differently appreciate the smaller things and the opportunities they have in front of them.” While Roy encourages students to ultimately follow their dreams. He is also busy working on his own aspirations. He has established the Travis Roy Foundation a nonprofit organization that focuses on finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. So that some day he may visit the college again, walking through the front door.