MSU's Carney retires after severe neck injury

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State defenseman Branden Carney has come to a decision to end his hockey playing career on the advice of medical professionals.

Carney’s doctors have determined that it is not in his best interest to participate in a contact/collision sport as he continues to recover from a severe neck injury.

Carney fractured his C1 and C2 vertebrae during practice at Munn Ice Arena on Nov. 3, 2011. He was participating in drills during the Spartans’ practice session when he went head-first into the dasher boards. He was transported to Sparrow Hospital for treatment and Carney was immediately (and has continued for the last 13 months) under the care of neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Bill.

“Obviously, getting that final word that I cannot play again was difficult,” said Carney. “I’ve had some time to think about it since my appointment and it’s been a blessing that I have been able to be able to play the game that I love for as long as I did.

“I have to thank the medical staff at MSU – particularly Dr. Robert Norris and athletic trainer Dave Carrier – as well as the emergency response staff who were among the first on the scene. Dr. Bill has been overseeing my care from the minute I arrived at Sparrow Hospital and everyone there was wonderful to me and my family in a time filled with anxiety. I know that I received the absolute best care possible throughout this situation.

“I have received unbelievable support from everyone in the hockey program and throughout the university. My teammates have been amazing – from coming to the hospital the day of the accident to each and every one of them reaching out to me on Thursday after I learned the news. The staff has been there for me every single step of the way, genuinely concerned about my well-being. A big thank you has to go out to coaches Anastos, Miller, Newton and Gilmore, as well as everyone in the program, for the support they have provided me over the last 13 months.”

“Our program has been committed to support Branden and his family as he has gone through the recovery process,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos. “This news is obviously a disappointment to all of us. However, in the big picture, Branden will, as I understand it, lead a full life in which he can participate in normal, everyday activities, as well as participate in non-contact recreational sports. Many people who have sustained a similar injury have not been as fortunate to experience such a recovery, so in spite of the disappointing news that Branden’s playing career is over, we’re thrilled that Branden has made such a remarkable recovery.

"Branden is a part of this program and the Michigan State hockey family and this medical decision will not change that. Branden is a Spartan and we will discuss over the coming weeks what his role will be with our program day-to-day going forward.”

MSU's Carney hurts neck, but has feeling

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State freshman defenseman Branden Carney sustained a serious neck injury in hockey practice at Munn Ice Arena on Thursday afternoon.

Carney, a 19-year-old from Battle Creek, was participating in drills during practice session when he went head-first into the dasher boards. He was transported to Sparrow Hospital for treatment.

Carney has feeling, movement and strength in all of his extremities and will continue under the care of neurological surgeon Dr. Charles Bill.

Carney’s father, Russ, is the associate head coach for the MSU volleyball program. Russ Carney will miss this weekend’s volleyball games at Iowa and Nebraska. Russ Carney was on campus and able to be with his son shortly after the accident occurred.

“Our program is committed to support Branden and his family as he goes through the recovery process,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos. “This is a scary injury, but he’ll receive top-notch medical care, and we’ll be sure that everything is in place for him to receive the help and support he needs in the weeks and months ahead. Right now, we’re going to focus on supporting him and his family in the coming days as they assess his immediate needs and treatment.”

Back injury ends Golembiewski's career

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State junior forward Zach Golembiewski has decided to end his college hockey career on the advice of medical professionals, the school announced Tuesday.

Golembiewski's doctors have advised him to stop playing due to a back issue.

"We are obviously disappointed in learning the news that Zach's injury will prevent him from continuing his playing career at Michigan State, yet grateful that it has been identified so that he will not be exposed to any long-term health risks," said MSU head coach Tom Anastos. "We are fully supportive of Zach's decision to end his competitive hockey career. Zach will continue to be a member of our team in some capacity, which will be determined over the next several days."

"This was a tough decision," added Golembiewski. "It was a struggle at first, because you put 12, 13 years into your passion, and all of a sudden, someone's advising you that it's best that you give up what you love. Playing at Michigan State was first a goal, then it became a dream come true. I am so blessed to have been able to wear the green and white jersey and be a part of this program."

Golembiewski, a winger who appeared in 56 career games over two seasons, injured his back over the summer and it was not responding to treatment. A diagnosis revealed that the injury was not healing due to an underlying condition and subsequent advice from specialists led to his decision.