A big fundraiser is planned to support the family of Matt Olson, the Totino-Grace alum and hockey standout who was paralyzed last month playing in a junior game in suburban Chicago.

Olson, a 2014 graduate of Totino-Grace in Fridley, fell into the boards Feb. 21 playing for the Chicago Cougars. He has been in a hospital near the rink where he was hurt ever since, unable to move below the shoulders because of a severe spinal injury.

An alumni hockey game and benefit are scheduled for April 2 at the Brooklyn Park Community Center, starting at noon. Along with the game, there is a reception with a silent auction, games and food. A $5 contribution will be collected at the door.

Proceeds will go toward the 20-year-old's medical expenses, which his doctor said would be in the millions of dollars.

A fundraising effort at gofundme.com/mattolson-3 has collected more than $116,000 as of Thursday evening on behalf of the family from Isanti , Minn.

More information on the April 2 event is at bit.ly/mattolsonbenefit.

Paul Walsh