Tragedy strikes as an 18-year-old suffers a spinal cord injury during a weekend tournament

A report has surfaced of scary and tragic incident that had occurred over the weekend during a hockey tournament, which has left a young hockey player with a spinal cord injury and unable to move from the waist down.

According to CBS Boston, 18-year-old Jake Thibeault, a top prospect from the Milton Academy, crashed hard into the boards back-first while involved in a tournament with the Boston Bulldogs, a private hockey club, leaving him with a serious spinal cord injury.

The story appears not to only be one of tragedy, but also one of perseverance as Thibeault, upon receiving the upsetting news, simply responded to the spinal cord surgeon with "I'm ready to fight".

Thibeault's father, Mike, also confirmed that his son also called the unfortunate injury "just a bump in the road", displaying pure courage and mental strength in the face of adversity.

«I've never been more proud of him,» said Jake's father. «His character is through the roof.»

The Boston Bruins have also released a statement on Tuesday, offering their support to Jake and his family during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist with Jake's immediate and peripheral medical costs, for those who wish to donate.

All the best to Jake as he enters what could be the fight of his life. We're all pulling for him.

Source: CBS Boston

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