Travis Roy, BU player paralyzed in first game, dies at 45

In 1997, Roy created the Travis Roy Foundation, which has raised more than $9 million — half for research, and half to provide equipment for those with spinal chord injuries. Roy, who was able to control the joystick that maneuvered his chair, regained little movement after the injury and had no feeling below the middle of his chest.

“I just thought the research would move along and by the time I was 40 I might have a chance of some normalcy again,” Roy told the AP in 2015, “some kids and a wife and not living with 24-hour home care anymore.”

The hockey world shared its condolences Thursday.

“Travis Roy was the ultimate symbol of determination and courage,” former Boston Bruins star and current team president Cam Neely said. “The impact that Travis had on the New England hockey community is immeasurable, and his relentless advocacy for spinal cord research was inspiring.”

Ray Bourque, another ex-Bruin and Hockey Hall of Famer, said he and his wife were “honored to have known such a great man who helped so many others. Our family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Roy family and everyone Travis touched.”

Also mourning Roy’s death was Jack Jablonski, a Minnesota high school hockey star who was also left paralyzed after a hockey collision.

“Travis Roy, you were my friend, mentor, role model and the most positive person I knew,” Jablonski, who was born the week of Roy’s injury, said on Twitter. “You have forever changed the SCI and hockey community. Thank you for taking the time to get to know each other. U r my hero. RIP Travis.”