I’m sure many of you have heard the awful news that hit the MJHL recently. Portage Terriers 20-year-old defenceman Braden Pettinger suffered a horrific injury in a game versus the Winnipeg Blues on November 12. Pettinger, who was playing in his first game with the Terriers after coming over in a trade with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, slid head first into the boards in a game against the Winnipeg Blues. Pettinger suffered a spinal injury on the play, and had to undergo extensive surgery. He faces a long recovery process, as the degree of his injury is severe. The response to this tragedy has been swift, and very typical of Manitoba league officials have set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for Braden. You can find the link here – https://www.gofundme.com/77ag2dq4 . There is also a fundraising social planned in his home community of Souris on Dec. 26. There has already been a tremendous response, and I expect the MJHL community to rally to support the Pettinger family in this time of need. You might also remember Braden’s older brother Sean who played for the Swan Valley Stampeders from 2002-2005. The Stampeders are jumping in to help as well. During the Wednesday, Nov. 25 home game versus the Neepawa Natives, the Stampeders will donate their portion of the 50/50 proceeds to the Pettinger family. The entire family has a long road ahead of them so please show your support on Nov. 25.
