HS player has spinal fusion surgery

A Minneapolis high school student underwent spinal fusion surgery Wednesday after severing his spinal cord during an ice hockey game.

Minutes into the second period of Friday's game against Wayzata in the Holiday Hockey Classic, Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore Jack Jablonski chased a puck into the corner when he was checked from behind by one of two Wayzata players trailing him — sending him crashing into the boards.

The incident left the 16-year-old motionless on the ice at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center.

Doctors initially thought he suffered a bruised spinal cord and two broken vertebrae, but Monday they said his spinal cord was actually severed.

They said they don't know if the teen will walk again.

A moment of silence was scheduled to honor Jablonski before the game between the Wayzata and Benilde varsity teams on Thursday. Jablonski's junior varsity team, however, has canceled its game as the players come to terms with his injury.

The Minneapolis Hockey Association on Wednesday announced "Jack's Pledge," a player- and coach-driven program to enhance safety in hockey.

According to Minnesota Hockey, by taking Jack's Pledge, players and coaches "commit to knowing the rules of hockey and playing by a strict interpretation of the rules. Players pledge to do their best to avoid penalties and situations that lead to dangerous play and unsafe situations. Coaches commit to teaching the rules of hockey, promoting strategies that minimize risk to ALL players and emphasizing clean play and a safe environment."

The Minnesota State High School League sent a note to all hockey coaches, officials and athletic league administrators on Tuesday urging them to renew safety efforts with their teams.