About

#HockeyChangesLives

How Did It All Start?

The Hendrickson Foundation began organically in 2011 through discussions between Larry and friend, US Hockey Coach-In-Chief, Mike “Mac” MacMillan, about an extreme lack of participation within disabled hockey programs in Minnesota. This lit the fire that led to the eventual creation of Larry’s, Hendrickson Foundation, in partnership with USA Hockey and MN Hockey, with a mission to grow the game of hockey by making it accessible to ALL people, despite any challenges they may be living with and creating a stronger and more inclusive State of Hockey. Aut inveniam viam aut faciam, a latin proverb meaning, “I shall either find a way or make one”, became a sort of mantra for Larry and the foundation. Better yet, it became our promise to the community.

Enrich Lives. Break Barriers.

These are our stories on hockey changing lives!

Over the years, we’ve heard countless stories about how hockey has changed the lives of players in the programs we support. We’ve learned how significant that benefit is for the players and their families, on and off-ice, it’s much bigger than hockey. Here are a few of those stories:

More Than Just a Game!

The values of life gained by the lessons through sport affect both the individuals 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 this is the end of retreating inward, and the beginning of reaching out socially to participate, create relationships and have some fun!

Who Do We Support?

Individuals of all ages
Individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities
Individuals with behavioral, emotional and/or social disabilities
Individuals with medical and/or physical disabilities
Individuals who are blind/low vision or deaf/hard of hearing
Veterans with combat and/or non-combat related injuries and/or who are otherwise disabled

Goals for the participants are:

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Develop values for life gained by the lesson from sport

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Developing a worthy future goal, based on education and training

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Social integration for family, siblings, and friends

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Improve physical health through exercise

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Integration and socialization with others, outside of the home.

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Giving players and families the joy of participating and competing

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Developing strong friendships and relationships with new peer group

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Developing confidence in personal assets -- not dwelling on limitations

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Having fun -- putting a smile on their face

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