A couple months back, I signed up for the NorthShore Inline Marathon in Duluth with the sole intention of pursuing a new athletic challenge. After an entire life playing hockey, it seemed like a logical choice to train for an endurance event on skates and I’m looking forward to participating in my first inline marathon on September 16th.  

What started as a personal challenge evolved into competing in support of a cause that means a lot to me. There is one experience in particular that has made a special impact on my life. 

After retiring from hockey, I went into coaching youth hockey and started with my first AAA team in 2016, a group of ’05 birthdays that I had for two summers. It was an unforgettable coaching experience on a team with great kids and great families. One of which was the Hansen family, whose son, Jordy, was discovered to have a malignant brain tumor in March of 2017. Jordy fought an inspirational battle that touched the hockey community. People always talk about how small the “hockey world” is, but throughout his fight, Jordy showed how truly large and connected that world is, and how much we care for one of our own. At 11 years old Jordy demonstrated true grit through numerous surgeries and chemo/radiation treatments. This year, Jordy celebrated his 5 year mark of cancer free brain scans. It is truly a remarkable feat, and I could not be happier for Jordy and his family. Jordy is even raising money himself through various events to help families going through the same battles with cancer.

The Hansen family showed endless strength and positivity throughout Jordy’s battle and their story inspired me to do my part to help families like them. That is why I’m choosing to raise money for Children’s Minnesota, specifically Cancer and Blood Disorders. September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so the timing couldn’t be better to help contribute to Children’s Minnesota “Shine Bright” campaign and make a difference.

Please consider donating to help families in need and thank you so much for your support.