For teen Lightning fan with cystic fibrosis, hockey is a way of life

TAMPA — When NBC figures its overnight ratings in the Tampa market for Monday night's Game 6, it should add one household for the teenager who will be cheering for the Lightning from his bed at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora.

Bryan Warnecke, 16, may not live in Tampa, but his fandom will be as passionate as any Lightning fan you will find there.

"He watched Saturday's game and he will be watching (tonight)," said Warnecke's dad Steve. "He continues to root for the Lightning."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman heard the story of the goalie with cystic fibrosis who helped his Arapahoe Warriors Travel team win a state championship in Colorado and invited him to be his guest at a Stanley Cup Final game in Tampa.

After the game, he was introduced to Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman, who has been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a condition with similarities to what Warnecke faces with cystic fibrosis.

"Stalman's asthma has led to lung infections much like what can happen with (cystic fibrosis) kids," Warnecke said. "The scar tissue had built up in his lungs from the asthma and prevented him from clearing mucus, which caused further infections, similar to what Bryan is going through right now."

Stralman gave Warnecke his game-used stick, and it is now on Warnecke's wall in Colorado.

"He was very encouraging about Bryan sticking with his dream of being the first person with (cystic fibrosis) to compete in the Olympics," Warnecke said.

Stralman said when doctors were trying to diagnose his medical issue, he was tested for cystic fibrosis. That was ruled out before it was determined he had brochiectasis.

"It can be tough," he said. "It's a battle. I've had days when I've said, 'I'm not going to do this anymore.' Some days are really tough. You need discipline, determination, and passion."

In 2010, Stralman started to recycle infections. He would get bronchitis, which would turn into pneumonia. A New York pulmonologist, Emily Dimango, finally diagnosed him with bronchiectasis. The treatment is the same you'd receive if you have cystic fibrosis. He takes antibiotics regularly.

"I'm sure (Warnecke) has more issues than I have," Stralman said. "Cystic fibrosis is a tough disease. I can feel for him. I'm proud of him for the way he battles through. He seems determined. He is working against himself on the ice as well as everyone else on the ice.

Warnecke's inner drive has always been off the charts. In the state tournament, he gave up no goals and stopped 27 shots in his first two games, and then came on in relief, giving up one goal in 17 shots, to help win the state title game 5-4..

"Through the season, Bryan was getting sicker and sicker, but he wasn't letting me know," his dad said. "I showed up for one game, and his coach said, 'You have to come down and get him because he is still in his gear and he has 103 fever."

When Bryan Warnecke met Bettman and Stralman, he already knew he had to enter the hospital for a lengthy stay to receive treatment and clear his lungs. His lung function was down 26% that day.

Bryan said no one is ever tried to talk him out of playing hockey. "They know it won't work," he said. "It's a great for me to stay active. The more I work my lungs, the better I am."

Last summer, he biked through 46 cities, through seven mountain passes, logging 1,065 miles over 43 days, to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. He is far from done with hockey. He's already signed on to play with the Okanagan hockey program in Canada

Former NHL player Dixon Ward, who heads the program, said they have investigated medical issues to make sure they can manage his medical needs.

"We won't give him special attention on the ice because of his disease," Ward said. "And that's what he wants. ... He will get a sense of normalcy."

It's clear when you meet Bryan Warnecke that he has the attitude that is necessary to thrive. "He is inspirational and down to earth," Bettman said.

Ward's program centers on giving his players a life experience as well as a hockey experience. And he said it's evident that Bryan will have a "positive" impact on his program.

"He's gregarious and he has a great presence," Ward said. "He's passionate about the game."

Bryan Warnecke is realistic about his ability. "To be honest, I'm probably the worst goalie at the school right now," he said, laughing.

Every day, Bryan undergoes two lung treatments. One lasts 40 minutes. Steve Warnecke said Ward told him that he already showed video of Bryan to his team to show them how hard he works to play.

"The average life expectancy (for cystic fibrosis) is 36," Ward said, "and we are humbled that he wants to spend two of those years with us."