Rival high school hockey teams came together Friday night to help raise money for a teen who became paralyzed last summer.

Sam Jarmer, 16, sustained a severe spinal cord injury after diving into the ocean while working as a lifeguard at the Ocean Grove Beach. He hit a sandbar, which left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Some doctors told Jarmer that he would never walk again. But with lots of hard work at physical therapy, a positive attitude and faith, the St. Rose High School junior says he is surpassing all expectations.

"I can move my legs. I can move my ankles. More toes, more fingers, and just seeing the little things that are coming back,” he says.

Friday, at a high school hockey game in Wall Township, the St. Rose team – which is also made up of players from Donovan Catholic and Red Bank Catholic – came together to form a prayer circle to honor Jarmer and pray for his recovery. They were also joined by their rivals – the team from Notre Dame High School.

Jarmer’s classmate was one of the organizers for the event

“I just wanted to do everything in my power to help him,” says Cole Force.

Jarmer says that with all the love and support behind him, he will continue moving forward. He says that he will one day walk again.

“The other day I was standing in therapy. And we’re making big strides. It takes time, but I will get there,” he says.

All proceeds from the game will go to a fund dedicated to Jarmer recovery. This also includes a $5,000 donation from Investors Bank.