Bryan Berard Eye Injury - CBC Feature

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On March 11, 2000, while Berard was playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game against the Senators in Ottawa, the stick of the Senators' Marian Hossa clipped Berard in the right eye on a follow through, severely injuring it. The eye was severely slashed on the sclera which resulted in a retinal tear and a detached retina. In the hospital room after the incident, after being told he might lose his eye, Berard reportedly told his friends that he would play hockey again. Despite being optimistic about his future in hockey, he ended up receiving a $6.5 million settlement from his insurance company, what many considered to be a career-ending settlement.

During the next season, Berard underwent seven eye operations, improving his vision in the eye to 20/600. He started working out again in April 2001 and started skating again months thereafter. Berard was later fitted with a contact lens that allowed him to meet the league's minimum vision requirement of 20/400.

When it became apparent that he might play again, the Leafs stated they were interested in his services[citation needed], but Berard opted to play for a team that was currently rebuilding and was a bit closer to his home of Woonsocket. Upon signing a tryout contract with the New York Rangers, Berard returned his insurance settlement and risked a comeback to the NHL. He played well enough that his tryout contract turned into a $2 million contract for the 2002--03 season, plus two one-year options. However he was released by the Rangers after a disappointing season where he only scored 2 goals and 23 points despite playing in all 82 games for the Rangers.

Berard then enjoyed successful one-year stints with both the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2005--06 season. As a result of his perseverance, Berard was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy for his dedication to hockey in 2004.

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[dandandamattressman]

Ok Hossa clearly didnt mean to do that....it was just a quick turn-around shot and Berard face just happened to be in the path of his follow through. Im sure Hossa would give anything to take that one back...

[dandandamattressman]

As inspirational as this is i can still look the other way and be like of course he came back, he is a hockey player...

[Cikiz3]

Oh sure, Hossa was following through on his shot and just decided 'I think I'll take this guy's eye out, that would be really great for me and him'! A real hockey player isn't looking for violence and blood in everything they do.

[Edubzthemagnificent]

did you not watch the video? he played another seven seasons after the injury

[IRONxMONKEY]

A shame his career got cut short by this unlikely accident. Bryan Berard was a heck of a hockey player. Great great skater, had grit and toughness, and a nack for putting the puck in the net...He was like a hybrid of Leetch/Chelios...AND he gave back a pretty big insurance settlement to make his NHL comeback...True hockey player

[rsacc4sale1]

You're an idiot sir.

[cj oshie]

It happened today 13 years ago :(

[purple0wnzx]

funny how this guy comes back with almost losing his eye and pronger is talking shit about what happened to him! i know its unfortunate and such but its litterally the same thing with how it happened that is and hes acting as if the leaf player did it on purpose...

[gamerwithasmile]

At 1:37 the newspaper says Brian and the title of tis video says Bryan

[kahnadah]

Wow, you're a clown.