Norwood shows support for injured players

NORWOOD, Mass. – Norwood High School students received some good news the day after a second hockey place was injured in a game.
Officials upgraded Matt Brown Thursday to serious condition from critical condition. Chris O’Brien reminds in fair condition, but the school’s principal said there were some position signs. Both remained at Boston’s Children’s Hospital.
“Chris did respond to commands, he did have movements in his limbs, and he even tried to crack a smile through a difficult sitation. All are good signs,” said Norwood High principal George Usevich.
Brown was paralyzed in an on-ice accident Saturday. In the first game since that incident Wednesday night, O’Brien suffered a concussion when he hit his head on the ice after trying to throw a check.
“Hopefully it ends here, hopefully that’s it,” one student said.
Construction workers left a “get well” message to Brown on the site of the new Norwood High School.
Brown’s mother had encouraging words for his teammates and fellow students.
“Your support has been overwhelming to the hockey team. Keep thinking of him, play hard. Just do your best,” Brown’s mom.
“No one’s to blame, the sport’s not to blame, the coaches aren’t blame. It’s just an accident. It’s very sad. We’re praying that they are alright,” one parent said.
Usevich said the mishaps will be reviewed to see if anything can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The team’s Thursday practice was cancelled. They are scheduled to play again on Saturday.
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