On January 8th, the parking lot was packed with cars, the seats were stuffed with people, and excitement filled the Gutterson ice arena at UVM. Everyone came to see UVM honor Martin St. Louis and retire his number 8 jersey. UVM was also taking on Dartmouth on the ice.
Although the events on the ice were very exciting because a former UVM hockey player was being honored, the events behind the scenes were even more powerful. As a lot of people stood in line to meet Martin, I was honored to meet a 17 year old boy named Jack. Jack is a member of the UVM men’s hockey team. Four years ago, the UVM men’s hockey coach, Kevin Sneddon, decided to recruit Jack to be part of the team through Team Impact.
Team Impact’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses by introducing them to the power of being on a team. Jack suffers from Catecholominergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). This condition can cause electrical problems within Jack’s heart. When I met Jack, I had know idea he had this condition or was part of Team Impact. I met this wonderful 17 year old boy and he went in search of a hockey puck for Martin St. Louis to sign for Kayla. I can’t say that there are many 17 year old boys who would go out of their way to get a hockey puck for another child. But Jack did, and he didn’t even realize that he had a connection with Kayla through Team Impact.
This encounter once again showed me how remarkable children who suffer from a chronic or life threatening illness are. Like Kayla, Jack has had to face numerous doctor appointments and had to overcome lots of road blocks and hurdles even though he is young. Although their conditions are very different, both Jack and Kayla are strong, determined children who have navigated the obstacles that stand in their way. They both have empathy and show compassion towards others. And they are both fighters who are not afraid to try anything.
Marty St. Louis was the person that people came to see at UVM. He has achieved numerous accomplishments and awards. Like Jack, he had to work hard to get where he is, have strength to overcome obstacles that were in his way, and never give up when playing at the college or NHL level. So although everyone came out to see Martin St. Louis at UVM last night, lets not forget Jack, who is living life to his fullest! And he, like Marty, is a great role model to many people.
Thank you, Jack!