Hockey team raises money for teammate paralyzed in game

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Junior hockey team raises money for paralyzed teammate
A suburban junior hockey team played Monday to raise money for their teammate - a 20-year-old man paralyzed in a freak accident.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban junior hockey team played Monday to raise money for their teammate - a 20-year-old man paralyzed in a freak accident.

Matt Olson was playing for the Chicago Cougars last weekend when he fell into the boards and suffered a severe spinal injury.

All of the proceeds from Monday night's game in Hoffman Estates go toward paying his medical bills.

"He's just a leader. He's a captain, he's a guy that gave it all every single day. An inspiration to others. He was a mentor to some of our younger players. Just a great kid," said

The team says Olson's medical costs are astronomical.

They've set up a GoFundMe page to gather donations.