First thing every morning, Bryan Berard is reminded how his life and hockey career changed in a split second on March 11, 2000.
The former NHL defenseman was only six days past his 22nd birthday.
A member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Berard was playing against the Ottawa Senators.
The teams were in a four-on-four situation, with the Senators pressuring in the offensive zone. Then-Ottawa prospect Marian Hossa attempted to one-time a loose puck but missed. His follow-through continued out of control and the blade of his stick violently struck Berard in the right eye.