Ethan signs his Letter of Intent to make him the newest member of the Stonehill ice hockey program. |
Newest Skyhawk is 800th Team IMPACT match
EASTON, Mass. (November 10, 2015) – The Stonehill College ice hockey program has announced the signing of seven-year old Ethan Simoes to its roster through Team IMPACT at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex on Friday.
The signing day was a special celebration, marking the 800th match in Team IMPACT's program history. In addition, this is the eighth match for the Stonehill Skyhawks, who are among the top three in the nation in terms of number of teams matched on campus, second in the Northeast-10 Conference.
During the draft day ceremony, Ethan was given his own Stonehill hockey practice shirt, a Stonehill T-shirt, a Skyhawk beanie and cap, and signed a contract with the team. By signing the contract, he agreed to be a part of the team, coming to practices and games whenever he can and representing his teammates by wearing his team hat and shirts.
"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Ethan as a member of our Stonehill Ice Hockey family," said David Borges, ice hockey head coach. "The team was excited to meet Ethan and his family last week for our official signing. His smile and enthusiasm is uplifting and will help our players realize the importance of persevering in difficult times. We are honored that Ethan chose the Stonehill ice hockey team as his Team IMPACT match and he will be a positive influence with his new teammates."
At the age of one, Ethan was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder. His heath is affected mainly by gastro-intestinal and airway issues. This past April, Ethan underwent the first of a series of major surgeries to help with his airway issues.
Team IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, Play Against Challenges Together) is a New England based non-profit organization that aims at improving the quality of life for kids facing life-threatening illnesses by creating unparalleled team based support systems with area college athletic teams. Ethan is the latest from Team IMPACT to join the Skyhawk family as he is the second ice hockey match, and joins volleyball, soccer, baseball, football, men's and women's basketball, and field hockey to be involved with the program.
Stonehill (2-0-1, 1-0-0 NE-10) has started the season off undefeated with wins against Plymouth State University and NE-10 foe Assumption College. The Skyhawks are back in action tomorrow night, when they travel to Dudley, Massachusetts to take on the Bison of Nichols College at 8:10 p.m.
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