Massie has practiced snowboarding since his youth but a wakeboarding accident in 2011 resulted in him losing his left leg below the knee, which changed his plans.
Before the accident, hockey was the focus. He spent nine years playing hockey at the “A” and “AA” levels, winning a couple of York Simcoe championships along the way. He was also on the school football team at Barrie North Junior High.
Massie returned to snowboarding after his accident and adapted so well to his prosthetic leg that he decided to pursue a competitive career in the sport. In addition, in 2013, Massie returned football with the Barrie North Collegiate Sr. Wildcats and was a starter on the offensive line.
The Canadian Paralympic Snowboard Team traveled to Mt. Bachelor to compete in the 9th annual Dirksen Derby, and tell their powerful story of how they overcame their darkest days.