At 16, Alexandre Poce became a quadriplegic following a serious field hockey accident. Limited to shoulder and head movement, he communicates using a mouth stick and navigates a wheelchair with head control. Despite facing challenges, he achieved significant milestones, including becoming a lawyer and city councillor. Reflecting on his life, he acknowledges dark moments but credits his mother’s unwavering support for his resilience and hope. Alexandre’s story highlights perseverance in overcoming adversity.
At just 16 years old, Alexandre Poce faced a life-altering accident while playing field hockey, resulting in quadriplegia. Although he can only move his shoulders and head, he has adapted remarkably.
To facilitate communication, he employs a mouth stick that allows him to turn pages, type on his computer, or make phone calls. When alone, he uses a breath-controlled device to ensure he can still communicate in case his stick becomes unavailable.
Alexandre maneuvers his wheelchair using head movements, but he finds it perplexing that some drivers honk their horns, seemingly urging him to move faster when he crosses the street.
Driven by determination and a desire for independence, he has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming a lawyer, author, MBA holder, city councillor in Blainville, and a candidate for the Senate.
Despite these accomplishments, there was a dark period in his life when he doubted whether life was truly worth living.
What is your background?
My sister Elizabeth and I are from Blainville, Canada, with Italian roots. My father, Frank, is still alive, while my mother, Nicole, passed away from aggressive cancer a few years ago.
How did your parents shape you?
My father was frequently away for work but always dressed impeccably. This instilled in me a sense of importance about appearance that I maintain to this day. I was particularly close to my father at 14, sharing many sporting activities together.
What was your mother’s influence?
Throughout my childhood, she emphasized the significance of hope and resilience, which has stayed with me.
What was your experience like in school?
Academically, I was average, but once I transitioned from primary to secondary education, I faced a new challenge.
I was enrolled as a boarder at Collège de Laval, where I enjoyed two great years playing soccer and field hockey, representing my school. I also cherished watching Canadiens-Nordiques games during those evenings.
March 14, 1987, marked a pivotal moment in your life. What happened?
Two days before my accident, I was working as a weekend bagger at Blainville Metro. Our team was set to compete in the Regional Championship in Mascouche, and I had asked my teammates to purposely lose our Thursday night game.
What was the reason behind that request?
Due to my weekend job, I knew I would struggle to make it to the Saturday game on time. If we lost on Thursday, we’d shift to Sunday, giving us a simpler path to the tournament final.
Did the team lose that match?
Quite the opposite—we won.
Can you walk us through March 14, 1987?
On the morning of the match, I told my mother not to attend because I felt an unsettling premonition about the game. I didn’t want her to witness anything I was fearing.
What did you do upon arriving at the arena?
Upon arriving, I dropped my bag in the players’ locker room and quickly visited the snack bar for a meal of poutine, pogo, and slush. I never imagined it would be my last trip to a snack bar.
How did the game unfold?
With just under three minutes left, our team was ahead 4-3. A teammate came to the bench for a change, and as the substitute was unprepared, I jumped onto the ice. As the puck approached, I lunged to intercept it before an opponent could.
What happened next?
With 2 minutes and 43 seconds left, I slid onto the ice, arms outstretched, failing to protect my head. My unguarded head collided violently with the boards, resulting in severe injury.
What were the doctor’s words after the incident?
Initially, the doctors informed my mother that I had only two months to live, causing her to faint multiple times. When she finally reached out to me, she said, “Alex, doctors aren’t always right. Keep hope alive and take it day by day.”
My mother became my greatest support through this journey. Her unwavering encouragement, along with the kindness of many others, has enabled me to celebrate