Eric LeGrand Postpones Visit with Injured Hockey Player

Severely injured hockey player Michael Nichols's visit from Eric LeGrand today has been postponed as his hockey team takes to the ice today for the first time since Nichols went head first into the boards during a game last Saturday.

Michael Nichols (Twitter)

The Monroe Falcons are dedicating today's game against Woodbridge to Nichols, who continues to recover from his injuries in Morristown Medical Center. According to News 12 New Jersey, fans and players will wear Nichols number, #23, on stickers and T-shirts.

LeGrand tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he has to postpone his visit with Nichols.

"My visit this evening with @M_Nichs will now be sometime next week. Please keep the support and prayers coming his way and always bELieve (sic)."

The former Rutgers football player tweeted his intention to visit after seeing Nichols' story on NBC 4 New York. "It can happen to anybody, planning to come see you on Wednesday evening Mikey," tweeted LeGrand, who was paralyzed during a game against Army at MetLife Stadium in October, 2010. LeGrand suffered catastrophic spinal cord damage and two fractured vertebrae in a game against Army. Doctors believed the defensive tackle, then a junior, would be paralyzed in his arms and legs and require a respirator for the rest of his life.

LeGrand defied explanation and medical science when he went off the respirator within weeks of his injury. Since then, LeGrand has walked with the help of a brace and is more determined than ever to regain the use of his legs.

Nichols has demonstrated the same determination to walk again. According to his dad Steven during an the NBC 4 New York interview, Michael said, "Dad, that ice that I couldn't get up from the other night, I'm going back to it, I'm going to stand up on it."

Monroe hockey coach Gerard Minter told News 12 New Jersey Michael is making steady progress in his recovery.

"Today is better than yesterday. Yesterday was better than the day before. Any progress is a good, positive signs for us."

Point Pleasant Boro and Brick Township will donate 50% of proceeds from their game today at the Ocean Ice Palace in Brick to Michael's family as will Old Bridge and St. Joseph Metuchen from their game at the Old Bridge Arena according to the Monroe hockey team's website.