Like most avid hockey enthusiasts, Kris Fadely-Amoia’s hockey journey began at a tender age, immersing himself in the sport from the moment he could walk. His passion for hockey ignited through playful moments in the living room using foam pucks, while his father played Sabres games on TV. This early enthusiasm led to years of dedicated practice and coaching his sister in the art of goaltending. Kris’s organized hockey career commenced with the Timbit program, followed by a significant period with the Hamburg Hawks organization. Subsequently, he seized an opportunity to play for the Buffalo Stars, an experience that not only shaped his hockey skills but also imparted valuable life lessons from his teammates.
However, the pinnacle of Kris’s journey was abruptly disrupted by a harrowing incident on the ice. While playing for the Buffalo Stars, he suffered a severe neck and back injury after being boarded in Cleveland. “I don’t remember feeling much pain but that was the problem,” said Kris. The resulting numbness in his limbs, coupled with the uncertainty of the severity, presented a daunting reality. He was told that he’d never skate again.
The path to recovery from such a traumatic injury marked quite the emotional and physical struggle. Kris candidly shared the challenges he confronted in deciding to make a comeback to the sport. He didn’t have much mobility in his lower back when he first came back, causing weaker shots and having to relearn how to be a fast skater. Although the decision initially weighed heavily on his mind, the unwavering support of his wife became a pivotal factor in his journey back to the ice. “[She] is someone who chases her dreams relentlessly and she really inspired me to join this team… I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t give it a shot.”
Overcoming the mental and physical obstacles proves to be an ongoing battle, as the fear of re-injury lingers and residual limitations impede certain aspects of his game. The mental aspect, in particular, poses a hurdle, compelling Kris to confront feelings of inadequacy and the stark contrast between his past capabilities and his current reality. Nevertheless, the unwavering camaraderie of his teammates offers hope and inspiration during these trying times.
His current teammates being the Niagara Falls Buffalos – a new team in the Union Hockey League. Kris, #77, is photographed here alongside Matt Stewart, Kyle Granville & Spencer Hyrnczak.
To aspiring athletes who may be facing setbacks or recovering from injuries, Kris offers this advice: “Sit down and ask yourself Can I handle this? and Am I ready to work hard? Hard work isn’t just to make you a better player, it’s also to keep you safe out there. It’s a tough physical game and practicing hard and trying to learn skills while pushing yourself is going to make your body much more prepared in the event that a risky play comes your way.”
Kris shared a lighthearted moment when asked if he had ever considered adding extra padding to his uniform for safety. With a chuckle, he remarked, “I’m sure my wife and mother would love that. Pretty sure they’ve asked me to do that multiple times. Maybe one of these games you’ll see me coming out like the Michelin Man.” His sense of humor even when discussing the serious context of his injury captures the resilient spirit of Kris and his ability to find levity even in challenging circumstances.
Telling his story & celebrating this level of tenacity serves as an inspiration for all those who encounter challenges on their journey to reclaim their passions.
The Morning Skate 