Laing 'blown away' by support following injury

NASHVILLE--Denna Laing, in a message shown on the video screen during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, said she has been "absolutely blown away by the support I've gotten from the hockey community."

Laing, a member of the Boston Pride of the National Women's Hockey League, sustained a spinal injury at the Women's Classic on Dec. 31.

"People writing letters that I'm their role model and I inspire them, but they truly are the ones that inspire me," Laing said.

On Saturday, the NHL announced, on behalf of its member clubs, it is donating $200,000 to assist Laing in her rehabilitation and recovery.

Honda and Ticketmaster, NHL partners and members of the hockey family, are teaming to donate a 2016 Honda Odyssey that will be retrofitted to meet Laing's transportation needs.

"There's so many things that hockey has taught me that I can apply to my real life and definitely my rehab," Laing said. "Hard work and never giving up on yourself or your teammates, it just gives me that little edge to keep going, to give that extra inch or whatever it may be."

Laing's mother Jerilyn, and sisters Brianna and Lexie attended the All-Star Game, participated in the ceremonial puck drop, and were given a standing ovation from the crowd at Bridgestone Arena.

"The sport has been so incredible, every day I think to myself, 'wow' to give me that little boost, to keep going and to say, 'I got this,''" Laing said. "Never give up, never stop believing in yourself."