Jordan Sigalet press conference 12/13/04

[bgbill]

A press conference was held today in the Alumni Lounge at the Ice Arena. I didn't take notes, but will try to give main points...
I recognized Toledo's channels 11 (CBS) and 24 (NBC) spoprts reporters there with cameras, and they had spots on this evening's news at 6. Channel 13 did not run a story. There appeared to be maybe a half dozen or so other news/sports professionals in attendance. The entire BG hockey team was there, AD Paul Krebs, other BG sports information/marketing folks, and a few fans.
Jordan and Coach Paluch sat at a table facing a couple rows of chairs; behind the chairs were the TV and still cameras and photographers.
Jordan started by reading his prepared statement, which was essentially what can be read on uscho.com and other websites. After Jordan finished, he and Scott answered questions. Due to privacy laws, only Jordan could answer questions about his specific case, but he willingly answered every question.
Jordan's first symptom occurred last March after the games against Northern Michigan. When he woke up, one foot was numb, sort of "asleep", but as that day went on, the numbness gradually spread up his leg, and by the next day, he was numb from the neck down. He visited Doc Wojo, who gave him a battery of tests and scans, then informed him it looked like MS. Jordan was shocked, but really didn't know enough about MS to understand what to expect. Dr. Wojciechowski called the Sigalets back in B.C., and they flew to BG to be with Jordan and discuss next steps.
Jordan has been on a course of medication which includes three self-administered injections per week. He's completing the fifth month of this treatment, which is supposed to really show improvement after month #6, and he's looking forward to that.
Jordan expressed thanks to everyone who has been involved with his situation, and hopes that by going public with it, maybe he can be of help to others, and maybe others who know something helpful to him will get in touch with him. His brother, Jonathan, has been a valuable part of Jordan's taking on this challenge. He does intend to get involved with local MS charity efforts. Playing hockey is still his #1 motivator, and he will play at the highest level he can "until I'm 40, even if it's in a men's league".
He's looking forward to the Christmas break; the rest is what he needs now, and he thinks he'll be back in goal when the second half of the season resumes. There is no history of MS in his family, Jordan thinks that this revelation will take a big strain off him and others, and will have a positive effect on living with MS. Jordan decided to go public after he missed a couple games on successive weekends, and knew he couldn't keep having "the flu" as the reason for his not playing. It got to the point that keeping the secret was compounding the stress already inherent with MS.
Scott Paluch responded to questions, most of what he said had to do with the strength and courage Siggy has displayed, playing collegiate hockey at the top level while undergoing the MS treatment. Coach expressed that Jordan was an inspiration to the whole team. It's also a testament to the closeness of this team that Jordan's "secret" was being kept by all of them up until now, when Jordan made the decision to talk about it.

After the formal conference, members of the news media were invited to have one-on-one sessions with Jordan, Scott Paluch, Jonathan Sigalet, Dr. Wojo, the two other tri-captains, Ryan Minnabarriet and Alex Rogosheske, and Jon Horrell, currently the #2 BG goalie.

It was a respectful, positive event. Anyone who has had the pleasure of conversing with Jordan knows how well would handle this sort of thing. And anyone who has met his parents knows where he gets his character.

After writing all this, I see there is a transcript:
http://bgsufalcons.collegesports.com/sp ... 04aab.html