Hockey legends gather for benefit with Matt Olson, family

(KMSP) - Dropping the puck before the Women's Classic game between Minnesota-Duluth and Bemidji State brings back a lot of memories for Matt Olson.

The 21-year-old grew up across the street from the Isanti Arena.

“I spent hours here; this is where I learned to skate. It’s a special place in my heart and I’m super excited to be here,” Olson said.

But the standout hockey player suffered a devastating spinal cord injury nearly two years ago while playing junior hockey in Chicago.

“Everyday is a new day. At first it was really hard, and now it’s back to daily life. It’s been great…doing a lot of rehab still, doing school. I stay pretty busy,” he said.

Olson’s positive attitude is contagious. At Monday's sold out Hockey Hall of Fame game, local hockey celebrities like Buzz Schneider who played on the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" Olympic team, came out to support the Olson family.

“He’s got the best attitude, probably better than most of us. But I think it’s great that he’s really working hard, and I hope everything works out for him,” he said.

Also, Dan Brooks, son of legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks, brought his father's gold medal to be included in a silent auction to benefit the Olson family.

“He’s a special individual. It’s great to see the hockey community rallying around…we’ve all played the game, and that injury could have happened to all of us,” Brooks said.

Olson said he's inspired by all the encouragement and hopes to be able to walk again one day.

“I have that athlete’s mentality in my head that I’m going to work and work because you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

All the proceeds from the event will go to the Olson family and help them with ongoing medical bills.

Olson is also very active in raising awareness for spinal cord injury research.