The Chicago Hockey Initiative is excited to introduce Ricky, our most recent Microgrant recipient for 2016! Ricky will be a seventh-grader in Hammond, Indiana, in the fall. He has recently moved up to the Bantam division, where he plays center.  Ricky, in the red jersey, is pictured with (L to R) Midwest Training and Ice Center general manager Brent Giffin, his father, Richard, his sister Emily (who plays goalie in the basement), CHI veep Scott, and CHI prez Patrick. Photo credit to CHI treasurer Jason.

Coach Vanek, Ricky’s youth coach, wrote glowingly of Ricky in his application: “He works hard, lights up the locker room, and is always my go-to player. I build my team around him and would be lost without him.” That is some serious praise!  Richard, Sr. wrote, “The teamwork and selflessness he has learned from hockey is rewarding to see as his father.” Ricky himself wrote an extensive list of things he enjoys most about hockey, including “having fun with my friends and teammates on and off the ice.” That is exactly why we at the CHI think it is so important to grow the game!  Congrats to Ricky, his family, and his extended hockey family!