Disability
While being treated for an asthma attack at age three, Graeme contracted a virus that attacked the nerves in his lower spine and caused paralysis. A condition caused by an impairment of the motor and/or sensory function of the lower limbs, paralysis can be caused by trauma, infection or congenital reasons. Traumatic reasons for paraplegia can include an acute spinal cord injury, spinal cord compression or vertebral fractures. Spinal cord dysfunction can be either complete or incomplete.
According to Teammate Jean Labonté
“Graeme is a solid, well-rounded player. He started his career as a defenceman and was converted into a forward. His background as defenceman makes him very aware defensively as a forward now. He likes physical play, he's very agile with the puck and is a definite threat around the net. Like Sergei Fedorov, Graeme is a versatile player and can score big goals.”
