Michigan State freshman Carney suffers neck injury, out indefinitely

Michigan State freshman defenseman Branden Carney sustained a serious neck injury in practice on Thursday afternoon, but has feeling, movement and strength in all of his extremities.

Carney went head-first into the dasher boards during drills and was immediately transported to Sparrow Hospital for treatment.

“Our program is committed to support Branden and his family as he goes through the recovery process,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos in a news release. “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.”

This is the second serious injury to the Spartans’ program in as many weeks. Last week, junior forward Zach Golembiewski was forced to retire after a chronic back injury did not respond to treatment.