On August 25, 1987, while attending Shawinigan's camp, Dean Bergeron's hockey career abruptly came to an end. During a fight, Bergeron hurt his spine after being knocked out. He would never be able to walk again. Despite his handicap, Bergeron still pursued a career as an athlete. He competed in four Paralympics Games (1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008) where he won ten medals (three gold, two silver and five bronze) as a wheelchair racer.