The Chicago Hockey Initiative is delighted to introduce our newest Microgrant recipient – Collin!  Collin is an elementary student in Northwest Indiana and a squirt youth hockey player.  CHI Board members had the opportunity to watch Collin play and he is a quick skater and fearless shooter! Collin is pictured with CHI Director of Development Scott (L) and CHI Treasurer Jason (R).

Collin is an enthusiastic student-athlete and wrote that his favorite things about hockey are “helping my team and meeting new players, going to tournaments and different rinks, and that hockey helps me with other sports.”  (Collin is also an avid lacrosse player.)  Collin’s parents wrote that hockey has taught Collin “to meet kids outside his school. In addition, hockey challenges Collin to excel both athletically and academically as he balances playing a sport with school.” Collin’s teacher, Ms. Sekuloski, wrote that “Collin is always willing to help others. Classmates look to Collin as a leader when they are working in groups.” The CHI so pleased to support stellar student-athletes like Collin.

Collin also surprised the CHI Board by bringing his award winning, hockey-based science project for us to check out. Collin tested the effects of stick wax on his ability to score a “lacrosse” style goal, popularized by Mike Legg at the University of Michigan several years ago.  Stick wax influences the amount of friction between the stick blade and puck, potentially allowing for more deft puck maneuvers. The projects was exceptionally original and creative and we are not surprised Collin won an award.  Congratulations, Collin!