Worcester Ice Center Hosts Fundraiser For Injured Hockey Player Jake Thibeault

WORCESTER (CBS) -- A fundraiser was held in Worcester Friday night to help Jake Thibeault, a Milton Academy hockey star who was seriously injured on the ice earlier this month.

The Worcester Ice Center hosted a public skate to raise money for Thibeault's medical care.

Thibeault is one of the top hockey prospects in New England. He plays for Milton Academy and two private clubs. During a hockey tournament, he went hard into the boards and suffered a spinal cord injury that has left him virtually paralyzed from the waist down.

Tina Gendron, a family friend who helped organize the Worcester event, said Jake's spirit will be a driving force in his recovery. "He's amazing," Gendron said. "The most amazing kid at that age that I have ever met, that I've ever known of, that just to have that attitude that of I'm going to persevere no matter what you tell me."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Jake's family with medical and home construction costs. As of Friday, over $400,000 has been raised.