What does it mean to be a HEROS player?
Well, for starters, it’s more than simply strapping on a pair of skates. It takes hard work, discipline, and respect for your teammates and mentors.
As a volunteer driven charity offering free, hockey-based mentorship programming, HEROS focuses on teaching its players foundational life skills through the sport of hockey.
This is HEROS’ 25th season, and since the first program launched in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver in 2000, it has expanded to 9 cities across Canada, serving over 18,000 young people – young people like Chelsea, a player with the Jane & Finch HEROS program who perfectly embodies what being a HERO looks like.
“Being a HERO means you have courage to put on and be better. [It means] trying new things for yourself and seeing what you can do,” said Chelsea.
In her time at HEROS, Chelsea has consistently been a source of inspiration for her peers. Whether she was overcoming her nerves when first learning to skate, or most recently, stepping up and volunteering to play goalie for the season, Chelsea has been a leader and a role model for her teammates, showing them that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to.
Though quiet and reserved from a young age, Chelsea has always had these great characteristics, and through HEROS, she’s found a space where she can step outside of her comfort zone and hone these skills that will help her thrive at school, at home, and in her community for years to come.
Chelsea, now in her third year of the HEROS program, is continuing to grow into a leader and build amazing relationships with her peers as the program progresses.
“It [HEROS] has helped me build courage around others and express myself,” said Chelsea.
Chelsea was awarded HEROS’ Canadian Tire Jumpstart award last year, recognizing her contributions to her team throughout the season and exemplifying the true meaning of the four HEROS behaviours – listening, respect, discipline, and having fun.
One of her favourite parts of the program is getting to work with her coaches and mentors who have been there for her each step of her journey so far.
“The first time I went to HEROS, it was my first time skating, but with a lot of practice, each Wednesday I got a lot better. Tony [the Program Coordinator for HEROS Jane & Finch] and the others really tried to make me a better person for myself and others, so I appreciate being a HERO and it really changed me,” said Chelsea.
Of course, Tony and the other coaches aren’t the only ones supporting her at the rink each week. Chelsea’s family is one of her greatest supporters. Her parents, siblings, and extended family proudly cheer her on every chance they get.
“She amazes me,” said Donna, Chelsea’s mom. “It’s amazing. On Wednesdays I go on WhatsApp and my cousins in Jamaica and my aunts in the U.S. – everybody, we’re all on our group chat and we’re watching Chelsea.”
“I see her blossoming,” said Donna. “HEROS is opening so many doors for her. She got to see the Canadian Blind Hockey Tournament, is going on different trips and having parties with the team. It’s boosting her confidence. It’s actually training her mentally, not just physically. It’s a different mindset.”
As we enter 2025, and the back half of our 25th season, HEROS is so incredibly proud of the progress players like Chelsea are making, all across Canada.
With over 800 teammates across the country on the ice this year, we look to Chelsea to keep setting the example of what being a HERO means and know that her hard work will continue to inspire others to be the best versions of themselves, both on and off the ice!
Way to go Chelsea! We can’t wait to see you out on the ice in 2025!
If you want to support Chelsea on her journey throughout 2025, consider becoming a monthly donor today by clicking here. As a monthly donor, a gift as small as $10 a month will help ensure HEROS players like Chelsea have the support they need to play, learn, and grow with their teammates each and every month!
