Founder

Story about Larry Hendrickson

Larry ran a multitude of organized camps and clinics, on and off-ice for USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey. He led USA Hockey accredited coach certification classes, and he opened up the infamous training space, “Larry’s Garage.” The makeshift gym in a garage, open to ALL – legends, NHL-ers, college players and high school kids alike, was created solely for the purpose of supporting athletes and helping them become their best selves. Revered stories and memories were born in that spiritual space. Beyond anything it was a space where people were mentored and inspired by Coach Larry Hendy. “The prize is worth the price,” a Coach Hendy quote that hung on the walls of the garage and now hangs in the minds of countless athletes.

Amidst his busy body, do-all lifestyle, Larry was also able to be present in the lives of his family. He “married up” as he liked to say about his wife “Saint Jane” and together they raised 4 strong and successful kids, all who play hockey. Julie and Christine continue to play in women’s leagues, Danny and Darby both played at the University of Minnesota and Darby, Minnesota Mr. Hockey ‘91, went on to play in 518 NHL games and is now the Assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild. Their character and success is a living testament to Larry.

The Hendrickson Foundation became, without a doubt, Larry’s lifework. At the core was the mission to GIVE back. Nobody will go without. Money will never be the reason someone does not play. Nobody will be excluded. Hockey is for everyone. The entire Hendrickson family worked to develop and grow the foundation. Rightfully, Larry was always at the tip of the spear, giving ALL of himself to this foundation and the programs it supports. Larry always said it was the athletes with disabilities who were the MOST inspirational and influential figures in his life. HF was as much about supporting and strengthening programs for those athletes as it was about supporting the athletes’ families, and creating awareness in the community. HF is important. HF IS changing lives through the game of hockey. It has brought a resounding amount of joy to so many people. Larry said it best, “It’s important to everyone. We all need to belong, we all need to relate, we all need to share. When I walk in a room, I am important, and when someone else walks in a room they’re just as important. Everyone needs to be respected and needs to learn to respect others and make a positive difference in each other’s lives.”

When Larry passed away, the outpouring of words and stories from the community, both hockey related and otherwise, were staggering. These tributes could certainly become their own set of chronicles. Larry had a massive zealot but the stories shared could have never been predicted. Larry struck at the heart of people. He made people feel valued and helped them believe in themselves. He was family to everyone.

Larry’s lifework became his dying wish – the Hendrickson Foundation. Fortunately, Coach Larry knew this mission was a team effort and he surrounded himself and the foundation with exceptional people. It takes a team. So, we carry on. We do it for him, moreover, we do it because of him. Grow the game, share the joy, change more lives. The Larry impact lives. Hockey Changes Lives.