Former Antigo Red Robin player Ezra McPhail, who now skates in St. Cloud, MN for the Granite City Lumberjacks of the NA3HL, was seriously injured in a game against the Flint Junior Generals Tuesday morning.

According to Assistant Coach Howie "Jimmy" Bordan, "In today's game he went to check a kid who ducked and clipped him. He suffered a spinal cord injury and a severe concussion. He can move and has strength in his upper body. His lower body has feeling but troubles moving and troubles with strength. He will be in the hospital for 2 weeks at minimum, and up to 3 months pending recovery. We will know more tonight."

A Tuesday evening update from older brother and former Robin coach Caleb McPhail, "Some good news on Ezra. They did not find a break in the mri. Hoping the loss of usage of legs is due to swelling and shock on the spine. He will be evaluated in the morning to see what function he has and plot out his treatment and when he can be released from the hospital. Still some tough days in front of him. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers, let's hope for a full recovery."

Everyone at  Wisconsin Prep Hockey wishes the best for Ezra and the McPhail family and hopes for a swift and full recovery.

Here is the latest update from the McPhail family:
"12/13/11.  Ezra had a incomplete spinal injury in Downers Grove IL at a Jr hockey tournament on 12/6/11.   Ezra is now in MN at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at the Sister Kenny rehabilitation Institute.  He is an in-patient at this time, working to achieve out patient status.   He is doing extensive physical therpy three times a day.  He is unable to walk any distance with or without a walker, however he has his upper body strength.  He uses a wheel chair to go any distance at this time.   Ezra is a hard worker and has a great attitude at this time and has had to look at some short term goals to achieve.   Thank you for all your prayers and continue to pray for Ezra's recovery."