Mass. teen paralyzed playing hockey returns home

(NECN: Alysha Palumbo, Norwood, MA) - It was a small med flight plane, but it arrived with the fanfare of Air Force One.

Dozens of friends and family could barely contain their excitement on the tarmac as injured hockey player Matt Brown returned home to Norwood, Massachusetts after three months of treatment in Atlanta.

Matt Brown said, "It feels awesome."

Matt's father Michael accompanied him on the two hour trip home.

"It's been since January 23rd since he's been in his house and in the town of Norwood so it's great to be amongst these people back in Norwood, back in Massachusetts, back in New England," said Michael Brown.

Not only has the town of Norwood supported Matt Brown and his family throughout his recovery but some of them actually came out to Norwood Airport to welcome him home.

Norwood resident Kiersten Barry said, "I think he's going to get so much support and encouragement that it might just push him along even more, and he's made such great strides from what I heard and this is just the best place for him to be."

Matt's hockey coach Bill Clifford said, "It's just a great day, he's been away for so long, I'm sure he's thrilled to get back to Norwood and see his friends and everyone so it's quite a day, it's exciting for everyone I think."

But his mother Sue knows the biggest challenges still lie ahead.

"It's been a roller coaster, Matt's done a great job of really staying focused and staying determined but clearly he had some down times, you can't be 15 and come off the ice and not be able to move," said Sue Brown.

After eleven weeks in physical therapy, Matt has regained some movement and the hope is he'll make even more progress at home.

On the tarmac, he gathered all his strength to raise his head, acknowledging the love and support from the cheering crowd.

"It's heart-warming," said Matt Brown.

His younger sister Kelley says she's always looked up to her big brother, but now she's even more inspired by his courage and perseverance.

Kelley Brown said, "He's made me just know that miracles can happen and all you have to do is just keep fighting."