My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack Jablonski ("Family says hockey player won't be able to walk again," Jan. 5).

After playing against his team the day before the accident, I couldn't believe it when I heard what happened. I can't imagine how hard it is right now for Jack, but I'm sure he has been strong through it all.

I also recently heard about "Jack's Pledge."

According to Minnesota Hockey, "By taking Jack's Pledge, players and coaches commit to knowing the rules of hockey and playing by a strict interpretation of the rules. Players pledge to do their best to avoid penalties and situations that lead to dangerous play and unsafe situations. Coaches commit to teaching the rules of hockey, promoting strategies that minimize risk to ALL players and emphasizing clean play and a safe environment."

This is what youth hockey needs, not the elimination of checking. Once again, we are all praying for you, Jack. Stay strong.

JACK GRAEN, EDEN PRAIRIE

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It's unfortunate that it takes a severe spinal cord injury sustained by a 16-year-old hockey player to bring attention to problems with our so-called "state of hockey." As the father of three teenaged hockey players, it's distressing to see how the game has changed for older kids, not only on the injury front but in how some kids are treated by win-first coaches. At the youth level, hockey associations aren't held accountable by anyone other than their boards. Since many coaches are either on their association boards or have friends on the boards, accountability is lacking. Checking from behind and other malicious plays can be greatly reduced if truly desired. A two-minute penalty won't do the job. CORBY PELTO, PLYMOUTH

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As a hockey player, I'm prompted to respond to the front-page news of a young person being severely injured by a check. Coaching must change. What's happened to the notion of the noble adversary? Where is the honor in "taking him out?" It diminishes the entire sport. Coaches can tell players "no checking from behind," but it's even more important for young kids need to be instilled with character-building and respect for fellow players. M.T. Mason, Minneapolis