Monroe HS Hockey Player Recovering From Broken Neck

A Monroe High School hockey player who suffered a broken neck during a game Saturday is said to be recovering and getting messages of support from throughout the state.Senior forward Michael Nichols went head first into the boards and fractured his C5 vertebrae during the game against Vernon at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, according to the Monroe Falcons team website. He was taken via medical helicopter to Morristown Medical Center where he continues to be treated.

The team website reports Nichols' surgery "went well" and he is "breathing on his own." Monday morning the team tweeted, "Mike had a good, restful, night and is acting like the Mikey we all know and love." The family is asking that he have no visitors at this time.

Many at Monroe High School were planning to wear purple and gold in support of Nichols on Monday, according to an earlier team tweet.

Monroe coach Jerry Minter told NJ.com Nichols was "skating into the offensive zone after a loose puck. He went to take a shot and was checked in the process, headfirst into the boards at full speed."

#PrayForMikey is being used on Twitter by well-wishers sending their thoughts and prayers.

New Jersey's hockey community is showing support as well. Coast Star writer Len Bardsley tweets that St. Rose and St. John Vianney will donate all proceeds from Friday's game to Nichols. The Monsignor Donovan, Howell, Wayne Hills, Toms River South, Edison, HIN and East Side Hockey in Newark and the Madison Dodger teams are among those tweeting support.