Support Pouring in for Paralyzed BSM Athlete

Support has been pouring in from St. Louis Park and beyond for Jack Jablonski, the 16-year-old hockey player who was paralyzed in a game Friday.

While Jablonski has been recovering in a Hennepin County Medical Center bed, more than 19,000 people have visited his CaringBridge website, with nearly 800 of them leaving notes of encouragement.

Jack's mom, Leslie Jablonski, said she and others have been spending time reading messages to Jack, which puts a smile on his face.

"The support has been amazing. To think how far this has gone—it gets you though these really difficult times,” Leslie Jablonski said.

Several NHL players, including Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets, have sent their best wishes. Wheeler, who played high school hockey at Breck and then played at the University of Minnesota, showed some local support.

"I'm very sorry to hear about the injury you sustained while in action," Wheeler wrote. "Minnesota high school hockey is a small fraternity and from one brother to another, I wish you a speedy recovery."

Lou Nanne, who played at the University of Minnesota in the early 1960s before becoming a coach and general manager of the Minnesota North Stars, even recently stopped by to visit Jack.

Leslie Jablonski said the stream of visitors has been nearly constant since Jack was admitted to HCMC. On Monday, dozens of BSM hockey players filled the halls and took turns visiting their teammate.

"(The support) puts a smile on his face,” Leslie Jablonski said.

Jack Jablonski is expected to . Doctors say it's too early to say what kind of recovery he'll make, but Jack has gotten slightly better since being admitted to the hospital. He has very limited movement in his shoulders and right arm, and no movement in his legs.