Making an Impact
April 15, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
One focus of the Jr. Blues organization is to get the players active and involved in the community. The Jr. Blues have spent over 1200 hours this season volunteering at different schools in the area, the Central Illinois Food Bank, and various other events. One school the Jr. Blues spent time at is Ball Chatham School.
"We have enjoyed having the Jr. Blues out to the school." Said Ball Chatham Vice Principal Elisabeth Gillham "We've found that it has been good to mentor them up with kids, so a lot of students have enjoyed the one-on-one time with the players. Some work with whole classes too, so everyone has benefited from having them out here."
Trevor Stone, a Jr. Blues veteran in his fourth season with the team, has formed quite a bond with the student he has been mentoring over the course of the season. Jack, a third grader at Ball Chatham, can be frequently seen at Jr. Blues games and events.
"Jack was suffering from ADD and anxiety issues, so when his teacher asked if we would like for him to be paired up with a Jr. Blues player we thought it would be a great idea." Said Beth, Jack's mother. "[Jack] was anxious to try new things so someone like Trevor helping him with his school work could really help him out."
Through working together, Jack has become quite the fan of Trevor, the Jr. Blues, and the game of hockey. "Jack is a Cub Scout so my husband took him to the Scout night [the Jr. Blues] had." Said Beth "Jack got a Trevor Stone button because he recognized that's who had been working with him. After the game, Trevor approached him and asked him how he was and was really good with him."
At the games, Jack's family takes the opportunity to instill lessons in him about hard work and self-confidence. "We have Jack look at what is going on on the ice; everything from the skating, to the puck moving, to the other skaters moving around. It seems like a lot going on; however, we show him Trevor is focused on what he needs to be doing - on trying to do all of the little things right" says Beth. "We tell Jack when something in school gets hard he can focus on the little things, like Trevor, to do what he needs to be doing."
Trevor and the Jr. Blues have provided an incentive for Jack to do his best in school. Jack was able to make a trip to watch Trevor play on the road in Janesville late in the season and Jack's mother says he earned the ability to do that. "My husband told Jack we would go up to watch the Jr. Blues play in Janesville if he had a good week at school. Jack worked hard to make sure that happened."
Jack's family and teachers have seen improvements because of the work that he has been doing with Trevor. "He is much more open to trying new things" says Jack's Mother "He has started to play hockey and is involved with the learn to play. Working with Trevor has really helped boost his confidence."
Trevor Stone will be heading off to play college at the United States Air Force Academy along with teammate Brady Tomlak who also spent time volunteering at the school this year. Jr. Blues fans might still find Jack hanging around Jr. Blues games. "It's become something that the whole family is a fan of. We try to make it to as many games as we can." Said Beth "We're so grateful for Trevor and the Jr. Blues program."
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North American Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2016
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- Third Period Surge Put Hawks Ahead 2-0 in Series - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Making an Impact - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Rebels' Assistant Captain Deprez Makes NCAA Commitment to Marian University - Philadelphia Rebels
- Bruins Captain Miller Commits to UMD Bulldogs - Austin Bruins
- Giles Announces Commitment to Robert Morris - Lone Star Brahmas
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