The Monroe Falcons Hockey Team and community have joined together in prayers and support for a player who broke his neck during a hockey game on Jan. 4.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — The Monroe Falcons Hockey Team and community have joined together in prayers and support for a player who broke his neck during a hockey game on Jan. 4.
”I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate accident,” said Monroe Township School District Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton on Monday.
Michael Nichols, 17, of Monroe, broke his neck after being body checked during a match against Vernon High School Saturday evening at 8 p.m. at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, Sussex County, according to officials.
”Mike was skating into the offensive zone for a loose puck,” said Head Coach Gerard Minter on Monday. “Upon retrieving the puck, he took a shot on goal and was checked from behind which propelled him forward, head first into the boards, fracturing his C5 vertebrae.”
”When the Monroe player fell, he apparently hit his head and the resulting injury was severe as the student was rushed to a medical facility,” said Interim Superintendent of Vernon Township Board of Education Dr. Charles Maranzano.
The game was then suspended with Monroe leading by a score of 7 – 2.
Michael was flown to Morristown Medical Center, where they identified a fracture to his C5 vertebrae, according to the team’s website.
”The Skylands Ice World staff, emergency crew and our parents did an awesome job given the circumstances,” Coach Minter said. “Everyone was clearly well trained for trauma.”
Michael had surgery on his neck the following day, Sunday, and is now recovering.
”The surgery went well and he is in good spirits, acting like himself,” Coach Minter said. “At this point, it’s a day to day process towards recovery. He continues to make progress.”
Mike is most known for his “intensity” and “having the biggest heart off the ice.”
”Mike is not the biggest player on the ice but he definitely plays like it,” Coach Minter said. “He’s one of the toughest kids I know and is always up for any challenges I put before him. He’s truly a great kid.”
There are 19 players on the team, five plus the goalie, playing at any given time for Vernon High School and there were 17 players at the game and a total of 40 players in the program for Monroe.
Dr. Maranzano said he has offered prayers and support for Michael and his family. Dr. Hamilton said he has spoken to Michael’s father and the family is “soliciting our prayers.”
”I contacted Dr. Kenneth Hamilton and offered our prayers and support in every way possible,” Dr. Maranzano said. “He was very gracious and said he would convey my thoughts to the family.”
He said The Vernon High School principal, Tim Dunnigan, also reached out to Monroe and the Nichols family.
”My high school principal and athletic director (Bill Edelman) reached out to their counterparts in Monroe Township as well, and I know our high school principal Tim Dunnigan spoke with the family of the young man who was injured.”
”As superintendent for Vernon Township I am devastated by the turn of events that resulted in a severe injury to a student from Monroe Township,” Dr. Maranzano said. “We are all aware of the dangers from high contact sports and always hope that during the course of play events do not turn tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student and family from Monroe and we offer our support to the family and school district in every way possible.”
The Monroe Falcons Hockey Team has dedicated its home page to keeping everyone updated on the latest news regarding Michael and fundraisers that are being organized to support him and his family.
Fundraising efforts range from online donations, T-shirts, helmet stickers, proceeds from hockey games, and much more.
One of the latest posting on the Monroe Falcons Hockey Team website reads, “For those wanting to make a donation to support Mike and the Nichols family, we have joined GiveForward to aid in and simplify the process.”
The link is #PrayForMikey GiveForward Donation Site.
”The support has been overwhelming from so many parents, community members, players, teams, organizations, individuals, etc. have reached out with their support,” Coach Minter said. “The best thing the public can do is to continue to support Mike and his family through this difficult time.”
He was expected to receive a visit from former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand on Wednesday, according to the website.
Mr. LeGrand was a junior defensive tackle for the Scarlet Knights who suffered a spinal cord injury during the 2010 game against Army that paralyzed him, according to the Rutgers website.
”I am filled with hope that Michael’s physical strength and emotional stamina will fully restore him over time,” Dr. Hamilton said. “Counselors have been deployed to the school to provide support for Michael’s peers. I am praying faithfully for his recovery.”
Students on Monday were encouraged to wear their school spirit colors, purple and gold, to show support for Michael.
Today the school is holding a Monroe District Jean Day in which participates pay $5 and the funds will be donated to the Nichols family.
The Nichols family was not available for comment.
”During this difficult time, please direct all of your attention to praying for and supporting Michael and the Nichols family,” read part of a post on the team’s website. “Please refrain from placing any blame, jumping to conclusions and provide the family with some privacy.”
A post was made on the Monroe Falcons Hockey Team page on Jan. 6 from Michael.
”That ice that I couldn’t get up from the other night, I’m going back to it, I’m going to stand up on it,” the post read.
For more information, please visit www.monroefalconshockey.com.