Support is picking up for Braden Pettinger after he was paralyzed during a hockey game on Thursday November 12, against the Winnipeg Blues.

The Portage Terrier defenseman went into the corner to retrieve the puck and went into the boards awkwardly. He received immediate medical attention on the ice, and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Braden has received surgery and is currently in the hospital in Winnipeg.

Pettinger grew up on a farm near Elgin and went to school and played his minor hockey in Souris. Friends are rallying around the Pettingers to show support both emotionally and financially.

Deanna Kowalchuk is helping organize a fund raising evening for Boxing Day in the Souris-Glenwood Hall. "Braden graduated with my son and Rick Pettinger had coached our boys and that family has been a big part of our lives. They would do this for anybody else and we want to give back to them like they've given back to Braden's support team."

The social in Souris will start at 8:00 p.m. and includes an auction.

Back in Elgin comunity members are also planning a fund raising program. Ardelle Woods says it has hit the community pretty hard.

"We hope to hold a family night in late February or early March to show our support for the Pettinger family."

 

The MJHL Community has stepped up to support the family by creating a "go-fund-me" page to raise money for medical and travel expenses.

If you would like to support Braden and his family CLICK HERE.

 

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