A Manitoba Junior Hockey League player has been paralyzed following a freak fall during a game last week.
Portage Terriers defenceman Braden Pettinger tripped head first into the boards late in the third period against the Winnipeg Blues at the MTS Iceplex on November 12. It appears the 20-year-old from Elgin, Manitoba struck the dasher on top of the boards with his forehead.
RAW: Interview with MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis on Pettinger fall
Family members tell Global News Pettinger crushed his C5 verterbrae in his neck in the fall. He had surgery on Friday to repair the fracture and currently has no movement below his chest.
“You can answer that one yourself,” said Pettinger’s uncle Rob when asked on how Braden’s family is dealing with the life-altering injury. “All you have to do is think of your own family.”
Pettinger was acquired by the Terriers in a trade with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines a few days before the fall. He was playing his first game with Portage the night of the incident. Pettinger also spent time with the MJHL’s Steinbach Pistons. He played Midget AAA hockey with both the Brandon Wheat Kings and Southwest Cougars.
“When the team was first told of the news, everyone was shocked,” said Terriers captain Brad Bowles in a statement. “It was something none of us were expecting. The room was quiet and it was really tough to think about what had just happened to Braden. It was hard watching a friend and teammate go through a situation like this.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the MJHL’s on-ice officials in support of Pettinger. Nearly $50,000 has been raised in a day, beating the original goal of $1,000. Bryden Hutlet, the page’s creator, says he didn’t expect to raise so much money in such a little time. He had originally hoped a few referees and linesmen who work in the Junior A hockey league would donate their game fees. Hutlet didn’t know Pettinger personally but decided to launch the fundraiser since the injury hits home and could happen to anyone playing hockey. Pettinger’s family say they’re blown away by how the hockey community has rallied around Braden.
“I look at it, read names and break down,” said Rob. “(Braden’s parents) say the love and support is truly overwhelming.”
A benefit social in honour of Pettinger is being planned for December 26 in Souris. His hometown of Elgin is also planning a fundraiser in February or March.
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