Projo Bruins Blog

Jonathan Girard returned home to Quebec last weekend and will meet with his doctors in the next few days before he decides whether or not to retire.

Girard was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident on July 24, 2003, near his home. He made a remarkable comeback and was at Boston's training camp this season. His body, however, has not responded the way he had hoped it would and that's why he will be examined again.
Dr. Robert Shalvoy, of University Orthopedics in Providence, does not know the specifics of Girard's case, but he fully understands the exact trauma the defensemen's body suffered during the accident.

Shalvoy admitted that while Girard is still young at 25, his body is now functioning more like a 40-year-old.
"His body has changed," said Shalvoy. "He will never be the same. Massive trauma changes you. Mechanically nothing will be quite right."

It's been obvious Girard, who was always one of the fastest skaters on the ice, has lost a step due to the accident. The reason for that is his stamina will never be the same due to the numerous bone fractures he suffered.

According the Shalvoy, when a bone is crushed the fat-filled marrow explodes and rushes into the blood stream, causing a "fat shower." In turn the fat can get lodged in the lungs and never work at 100 percent again.

Shalvoy has dealt with this type of trauma before with other athletes and understands how it can be tough for Girard to quantify what has happened to his body. If Girard underwent a physical today, he would pass with no problem. But, the damage has been done and he won't be able to regain his pre-accident form.

That's why he back at home in Quebec talking with his doctors about his options.

Girard was assigned to Providence from Bruins' training camp on Sept. 29 and has played only one game with the P-Bruins. Still, it is amazing that Girard was able to return in the fashion he did after he suffered a broken pelvic bone, lost a lot of blood, broke two vertebrae, suffered several lacerations and had fluid in his lungs.

"It's tough for a 25-year-old," said his agent Bob Sauve. "It's not like he doesn't know if he can play in the NHL. He is a proven NHL-caliber player . . . This is a life decision. What is good for Jonathan, as a human being, is first."

Under terms of his insurance agreement, Girard could play 20 professional games -- at any level -- before having to decide whether to continue playing. If he plays more than 20 games, he will forfeit his settlement, which was originally reported to be in the $3-million range. According to Sauve, the settlement is not quite that high, and would not give the exact figure out of respect for his client.

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