A Junior League hockey player in Manitoba has been left paralyzed after crashing during a game last week.

Defenceman Braden Pettinger, 20, of the Portage La Prairie Terriers, is said to have suffered severe injuries after crashing head-first into the boards at a game against the Winnipeg Blues on Nov. 12.

Pettinger underwent major surgery following the accident, but it is not known whether he will recover from his injuries.

Days after the accident, a GoFundMe page was set up to help Pettinger and his family cover “upcoming” medical and travel expenses. As of Wednesday morning, more than $37,000 had been raised.

Braden’s uncle told CTV Winnipeg the family is overwhelmed by the support from the community, as well as Braden’s coaching staff.

He added that Braden was thrilled to join the Terriers in his final year playing Manitoba Junior League Hockey, and was hoping hockey would lead to a post-secondary career.