Name: Chris Bretoi
Occupation: IT Tech 3M Corp./AHAA Hockey Player
Type of Amputation: Left BK
 Nearly16 years ago, while changing his tire on the side of the highway, Chris Bretoi was hit by a car from behind, which severed his left leg below the knee. After having six different surgeries following the accident, Chris was determined to stay as active in athletics as he had been previously. Because of the lacking technology in prosthetic industry at the time, Chris sat in a wheelchair subsequent to the accident. Despite his temporary immobility, Chris remained active and became involved in wheelchair tennis. He obtained a top 50 world ranking in the sport, and continued to advance in athletics.
As an ardent hockey player, Chris doubted he would ever seriously play hockey again. Although he was back on his feet with a prosthesis, he doubted that he would ever be able to play competitively. Then, about 4 years ago, he got back into his skates and onto the ice. "I got onto a Flex Foot at first, but I was only happy until I tried to play hockey," says Chris. "I currently use the TruStep for hockey."
Chris learned about the TruStep through the American Hockey Association of America's prosthetist, Greig Martino. "A lot of the guys from the AHAA were on the TruStep," Chris says. "So I decided to give it a try." Dan Cox, a world-renowned amputee golfer, and Chris' prosthetist, Al Ingersoll at Winkley's, helped him get on the TruStep right away.
"My first time on the TruStep was very positive. We played with the bumpers a lot," Chris recalls. He uses different bumpers for different sports and activities. For hockey and speed skating, or long track, he uses a very firm bumper, and for everyday use, he uses something a little softer. "The TruStep has allowed me to take my hockey to another level," states Chris with a smile. He has been wearing the TruStep for about a year and a half.
"I would encourage anyone to try a low profile foot. TruStep and Venture are really great options," Chris asserts. Energetic and able as ever at 50, Chris has a long career ahead of him. "Creating a prosthesis is more of an art than a science, so I believe that people should work more closely with prosthetists to increase their activity level," he recommends. "It is really important to stay active."
To learn more about Chris and the AHAA, go to http://www.amputeehockey.org/
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