Chad Warner's dreams of playing representative hockey were shattered by the early morning attack that put him in hospital.
But despite a broken jaw and still awaiting the results of an MRI scan, Mr Warner is focusing on the positive and hanging in there, says his mother.
Mr Warner, an aircraft technician
Caine Teki, 21, yesterday pleaded guilty in the Wanganui District Court to assaulting Mr Warner with intent to injure.
Judge Michael Radford remanded Teki on bail until sentencing on September 24.
Mr Warner's aunt Jenny McGrail, who has been Mum to him since his mother was killed in a car accident when he was 8, said the MRI scan would show if any damage had been done to his spine.
"Chad is suffering pain to the top of his head, into his neck and his shoulders," she said.
The Chronicle reported yesterday on the heroic actions of Armourguard security officer Michael Haines, who stepped in when Mr Warner was being attacked.
Mr Warner, who was walking up Victoria Avenue, had met Teki, who was with a small group of people.
Mr Haines said he saw the group talking, then Teki shook hands with Mr Warner.
Teki then "lashed" out at Mr Warner.
Mr Haines said he saw Teki kicking Mr Warner who was sprawled on the ground, and ran to his aid.
He was able to detain Teki and rang the police.
Mrs McGrail said her son lived by the saying to "always focus on the positive", but yesterday he was struggling.
"He is very unhappy and very sad, and cannot chew because of his broken jaw."
But it was Mr Warner's dream of playing representative hockey with the Forces team that he'd just got into, that will now not eventuate.
Because of the concussion and the broken jaw he sustained in the attack, Mr Warner will not be allowed to play hockey, Mrs McGrail said.
"It was his dream and it's frustrating that he can't play."
Mr Warner broke his jaw almost two years ago in a hockey accident, and because of the break, he was in a healing period.
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