A place on the team: One child's story of inclusion in hockey
A seven-year-old boy is setting a powerful example of inclusion in sport, reminding us that every child deserves the opportunity to belong.
Trevor* had a dream of playing minor hockey. When he first stepped onto the ice, few expected him to make it as far as he has. But through determination and an unwavering love for the game, Trevor has beaten the odds and continues to persevere, showing everyone what’s possible when a child is given the chance to believe in himself.
“While Trevor may not be the strongest player on the ice, he is a valued member of the team. His commitment, effort, and determination to succeed shine through and inspire those around him —both on and off the ice,” said Chelsie Piesinger, clinical caseworker for Ranch Ehrlo’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program.
“Trevor’s story highlights resilience, teamwork, and what can happen when kids are given the chance to believe in themselves.”
Whether he’s quietly watching and learning from the bench or facing off for the first time during a game, Trevor has proven those who doubted him wrong. He has become the hockey player he always knew he could be.
“The coaches he has now are phenomenal and are learning a new way of responding and adapting,” said Chelsie. “And everyone is learning about inclusion in the game.”
Last year marked Trevor’s very first time on skates. After his second school skate session, he made up his mind that he would join a hockey team. He asked his foster parents, Sue and Craig, if he could play and the pair moved mountains to make it possible.
Trevor was registered in the U9 Moose Jaw Minor Hockey (MJMH) league this season.
On evaluation day, Trevor skated a little slower and listened a little longer. Some questioned whether he belonged on a team at all. Those doubts led to one team deferring his participation. But with strong advocacy of his foster parents, incredible support from Chelsie, and collaboration with Hockey Saskatchewan and leaders at the MJMH, support was put in place to ensure Trevor’s acceptance, and success. He was provided with one-on-one, ice support in the form of a disability inclusion worker which gave him the scaffolding he needed to thrive.
“Some people said he didn’t have the skills to play hockey, that he couldn’t do it – didn’t have the capacity but we challenged them to give him a chance,” said Chelsie. “There’s always things that can be adapted to make inclusion possible.”
Not defined by past trauma, diagnoses, or his family dynamic, Trevor now steps onto the ice as an equal, just like every other child. He may learn differently, communicate differently, and play differently, but his love for the game is like that of every teammate lacing up beside him in the dressing room.
“On so many levels, hockey has been good for him,” said Sue. “He is so proud of himself.”
Today, Trevor no longer requires on-ice support during practices. He plays every position with confidence and commitment (though he shines most on defence) and was proudly awarded “player of the game,” golden stick in hand. Just this past weekend, Trevor played in a tournament with three back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, skating hard and playing well. Once again, he proved that when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
“He is a hockey player now,” remarked Sue. “It’s the first thing he wants to talk about when he sees you in the morning and the last thing he talks about at night.”
If Trevor’s story teaches us anything, it’s that a child should never be defined by their differences – but by their dreams.
*Name changed to protect privacy. Photo by McMasters Studio