European hockey player launches lawsuit against former teammate after life threatening injury

The incident occurred in Germany back in February of 2023 when Glemser was hit into the boards by Pietsch during a hockey game between The Rosenheim Star Bowls and Riesseresee SC. The injury was immediate, and Glemser was unable to move after breaking 2 vertebrae.

It was revealed that in the initial aftermath, Glemser stated that it was not Pietsch's fault for the injury but his opinion has changed and he is now suing for the equivalent of around $1 million USD

The battle has begun between both sets of lawyers as Glemser's lawyers feel that he is responsible for his injury and all that changes in his life due to the paralysis he suffers from. On the opposite side, Piestch's lawyers feel that this president is very dangerous and could affect all contact sports within Germany itself.

These kinds of incidents have occurred rarely occurred in professional leagues. The NHL did have one infamous incident which took place between former Vancouver Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi and Colorado Avalanche Steve Moore back on March 8th, 2004.

Though the lead up to the incident was different where Bertuzzi sucker punched Moore to the head and rendered him unconscious with the result being similar where several players including Bertuzzi falling onto Moore which caused him to have 3 neck vertebrae to fracture along with a concussion and facial cuts. Fortunately for Moore, he did not end up with paralysis.

Bertuzzi faced criminal assault charges along with a civil lawsuit against himself and the Canucks organization. It took ten years of deliberation and discussions and on August 19th, 2014, a settlement was reached between all parties.

Both European players have direct ties to one another as Glemser and Pietsch were teammates when they played for the Hannover Scorpions in 2020 and 2021.

Source: Blades of Steel

Source: Wikipedia