Mayhem forward Justin Thompson suffered a cervical spine injury on Saturday in a home game against Roanoke. An update from the team said he’s had successful surgery.
MACON, Ga. — A Macon Mayhem player is on the road to recovery after a scary injury during a game.
Forward Justin Thompson, according to an update from the Mayhem, had successful surgery on a cervical spine injury he suffered on Saturday.
“We are relieved to share that the procedure went well, and Justin maintains full movement in all of his extremities,” a post from the Mayhem said.
The Mayhem’s update said that Thompson has full feeling and movement, but will continue to stay in a neck brace as he begins his recovery process.
The update said Thompson will continue to work with his medical team to determine what the next steps should be.
Thompson also posted an update to Facebook on his surgery. He noted that they are still talking about a potential second surgery to fix a few things on the backside of his neck. However, he was just thankful to be okay.
“It’s been a very emotional few days for me and again I can’t express how grateful I am to all of you and most importantly my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” he said in the post. “Multiple neurosurgeons and doctors told me after seeing my original spine that I should have died on that ice.”
The Mayhem said that they, alongside Thompson, are thankful for the work of several people who have helped the young hockey player in his recovery.
They thanked the Mayhem Medical Team, including Dr. Heath Richter, Dr. John Sapp and Athletic Trainer Keith Kling, for their immediate help when Thompson went down at the ice. They also thanked the various medical staff and personnel that helped transport him to the hospital, care for him once he arrived and who operated on him.
Jordan Thompson, Justin Thompson’s older brother, created a GoFundMe to help fund his brother’s surgery. If interested in donating, you can click the link here.
“I am beyond words to the grace of my God, and it’s a miracle in its own I can move my feet, legs, hands [and] arms,” Justin Thompson said in his post.