H.S. Hockey Player Gets Probation

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) â€” A high school hockey player received two years' probation for checking an opponent into the boards, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. <br><br>The 16-year-old player

Friday, October 27th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) â€” A high school hockey player received two years' probation for checking an opponent into the boards, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

The 16-year-old player from Northbrook entered a plea in August to a misdemeanor battery charge. That means he did not admit guilt, but acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict him of injuring Neal Goss last November.

``From the minute I wake up until someone puts me in bed at night, I am dependent on others to help me through the day,'' Goss said in court. ``The burden of my care is huge, and I feel horrible about it.''

The Northbrook teen-ager, whose name has not been released because of his age, also read a statement, saying, ``I can't begin to express the sadness and sorrow I feel for the Goss family.''

Judge John Radosevich ordered the boy to perform 120 hours of community service, most of it at hospitals that care for paralyzed patients, Assistant State's Attorney George Strickland said.

Radosevich told the boy he is forbidden from playing any contact sports while on probation.

Goss, 16, fell head first into the end boards after he was pushed from behind at the end of a Nov. 3 game between teams from Glenbrook North and Winnetka New Trier high schools. His doctors said the paralysis is permanent.

The Goss family has filed a lawsuit against the other boy's family.