Hendrickson Foundation

We believe that hockey is for everyone!

The Hendrickson Foundation seeks to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, and their families, through the game of hockey. 

Our focus is to make hockey accessible for ALL who want to play the game. By supporting adaptive and Warrior hockey programs’ growth and participation nationwide, we aim to break barriers and promote inclusivity in the game.

More than just a game. 

The values of life gained by lessons through sport affect both the individual and their families. The sport challenges and develops players as individuals and athletes; it promotes physical and mental health, as well as sportsmanship, camaraderie, self-confidence and a sense of belonging. For many of these athletes it's the end of retreating inward and the beginning of reaching out socially to participate, create relationships, and have some fun!  

I AM A HOCKEY PLAYER 

Travis Bennett • Army Veteran • MN Warriors, Twin Cities 

“Nothing compares to hockey. The game, the rink, the locker room; hitting the ice for warmups or sitting on the bench between shifts — you’re in a different world. It’s like the glass separates you from any struggles you have. All that matters inside the rink is the game. It’s my therapy."   

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Jaxon Holland • MN Wild Blind Hockey

“My teammates encourage me every game.”He’s proving what’s possible, taking on new challenges like wrestling and showing others with vision loss that they can, too.

And when things get tough, he repeats what his mom taught him: “I can do it.”   

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Finley Krueger | MN Wild Sled Hockey

Finn started on the ice in a wheelchair. By 3 he had a sled, and by 5 he was a MN Wild Sled Hockey player.

“My teammates make me happy and cheer me on.”

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Will Cariveau • MN Wild Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Hockey

“Hockey taught me how to move past things that don’t go my way. Let it go, keep moving forward.”

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Tasha Feigh • MN Wild Special Hockey

"What I love most about hockey... is that my friends/teammates encourage me in every way and also they are always there to support each other. I also love to teach people that girls can play a "boys" sport and even rock at doing it. I just fell in love with all aspect of it."

 

Hendrickson Foundation's Annual Hockey Festival

This isn’t just a hockey tournament—it’s the biggest and most inclusive event of its kind in the world. 🏒The Hendrickson Foundation National Hockey Festival is the "Super Bowl" for 84 adaptive teams from across the U.S.—from Alaska to Florida—representing Warrior (military), Sled, Special, Blind, and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing hockey.At its core, it’s about passion—for the game, for the athletes, and for the families who make it all possible.Hockey changes lives—and our festival proves it.It’s a labor of love, a movement, and a lifestyle.Watch the magic. Feel the impact. Join the mission.

Who do we support?

• Individuals of all ages
• Individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities
• Individuals with behavioral, emotional and/or social disabilities
• Individuals with medical and/or physical disabilities
• Individuals who are blind/low vision and/or deaf/hard of hearing
• Veterans with combat related injuries and/or who are otherwise disabled
• Families and support systems of the athletes we support

Hendrickson Foundation supports five main divisions of adaptive and Warrior/military hockey programs. 

• Minnesota Warrior Hockey
• Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey
• Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey
• Minnesota Wild Special Hockey
• Minnesota Wild Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Hocke