On Sunday February 21st, Matt Olson was injured playing for the Chicago Cougars of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). According to multiple reports Matt was injured when he caught an edge chasing after a puck behind his own net. Matt sustained a severe spinal cord injury and has already undergone multiple procedures.
Matt was a member of my local North American Hockey League team the Minot Minotauros. It is horrible when injuries happen in hockey, and extra horrible when they happen to kids close to your hockey program. Matt was a Tauro for a short time last season after joining the club as a 10th round draft pick. He came to training camp with the Tauros and stayed with the club through the NAHL Showcase. After the Showcase Matt was traded to the NA3HL Minnesota Flying Aces. From there he made it back the NAHL with the Minnesota Wilderness and the Corpus Christi Ice Rays last season before moving on to the USPHL Cougars.
News Release from the Chicago Cougars:
Defenseman and co-Captain, Matt Olson went into the boards after chasing an opposing player down and catching an edge in the first period.
The result of the fall was a severe spinal injury. The last 48 hours have been difficult to say the least for Matt and his family. He has undergone a few surgeries and numerous tests at the hospital and currently doesn’t have any movement or feeling below his chest , including his arms.
You all have been very supportive this season and we thank you, please continue to support Matt and his family as they prepare for this life-long journey together.
Now it is time to band together and help our young hockey player. The hockey world is one big family and now it is time to help one of our own. Please consider making a donation to Matt and his family at his GoFundMe page. The ultimate goal is to raise $500,000 to help with Matt’s life long battle. Another great way to help Matt is to purchase one of his charity hockey tee-shirts at Sin Bin Hockey. 100% of the proceeds from a t-shirt purchase go to Matt and his family. Remember, the hockey community is a close one. It is time to help one of our hockey family members.
Thank you from the Inside Edge Hockey News
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