A benefit for Reese Stariha, who was severely injured in an automobile accident Nov. 25, will take place during a Superior Amateur Hockey Association double header beginning at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 3.
The Superior Jr. Gold faces off against the Duluth Jr. Gold that night. Two of Stariha's nephews, Christian and Carter, will be on the ice. Their parents will be cheering them on, and raising funds for Stariha.
"SAHA has been a part of our family for over 20 years," said Stariha's sister, Becky Pettit. "All of my brothers, including Reese, grew up playing youth hockey here and the tradition has continued with their nephews. We are so grateful that they offered to host this event for us."
The benefit, which will begin prior to the 8:15 p.m. game, will include a raffle table, silent auction, 50/50 drawing and chuck a puck. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
Stariha, 26, grew up in Superior and moved to Minong during high school. He was riding as a passenger on his way to visit some friends when the accident occurred. It left him with multiple fractured vertebrae in his neck and injured his spinal cord. He underwent three surgeries - one for his neck and spine, a second for a fractured femur and a third to place a temporary ventilator.
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Additional injuries from the accident included a fractured sternum, loss of the outside of his right ear, several staples on the back of his head and a puncture wound on his shoulder.
Stariha suffered no brain injuries and is currently stable. He's engaged an alert, and able to move his arms, hands and upper body. He does not have use of his legs, but can feel pressure on them. He left St. Luke's ICU on Dec. 22 and was transferred to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, where they specialize in spinal cord injuries, to begin rehabilitation.
Funds raised will help cover the extensive medical costs as Stariha faces the challenges before him.
A benefit fund - Reese Stariha Benefit - has been set up at Superior's Metro Credit Union and Hermantown Federal Credit Union. Crowdfunding sites have also been set up for the family on youcaring.org and gofundme.org.
