The family of a seriously injured hockey player has spoken out. The player’s team held a fundraiser Saturday night for Portage Terriers defenceman Braden Pettinger.
The 20-year-old player was paralyzed after crashing head-first into the end boards.
Braden's uncle Larry Pettinger took to the ice to express his gratitude for the hockey community’s overwhelming support. A GoFundMe page for Braden has raised more than $100,000.
"Every name on that GoFundMe page has been read and re-read,” said Larry Pettinger. “The names they recognize and all the others are etched into their minds."
More cash was raised for Braden Saturday night. Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle are being donated to the family.
Braden Pettinger had just joined the Terriers, after being traded by the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. His paralysis is severe, but in a message to fans at the arena, Braden said one day he willrecover.
"Someday, I'm going to walk back into that building, and thank each and every one of you. Thank you!" Braden said in a statement ready by his uncle.
In addition to Saturday’s efforts, the Brandon Wheat Kings have donated all proceeds from their "chuck-a-puck" event Friday. And on Sunday, the Winkler Royals will donate all gate and 50/50 revenues from their game to Pettinger.
