The Chicago Hockey Initiative is very pleased to introduce our final Microgrant recipient for 2016 – Marty!  Marty is a six-year-old Mite defenseman from the Northwest Side of Chicago. The CHI was so thrilled to meet Marty and his family at Heartland Ice Arena earlier this month. Marty (grey jersey) is pictured with three of his five siblings and CHI Co-Director of Development Steve.

Marty describes hockey as “feeling like I’m flying on the ice. I like scoring and sliding on the ice on my stomach. I love to practice, and my parents say when you love to practice something, you really love it.” We love the enthusiasm, Marty! His mother writes that “hockey requires athletic skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Playing hockey helps Marty focus on school as well.” We couldn’t agree more. These are clearly qualities and motivations we hope all young skaters learn from the game. Marty was nice enough to include a drawing of himself wheeling around the ice with his Microgrant application, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The CHI is quite happy to support Marty’s continued participation in youth hockey.