Connecting with Other Christians
HMI was really an awesome experience because I was able to connect with other Christians in the hockey community. Growing up in a strong Christian home and playing hockey from a young age I kind of had the two entities separate. I had Christian friends outside of hockey and went to church and youth group, but then had my other friends and teammates all throughout my hockey career. I was never able to go to a Christian hockey camp, so being involved with a Christian Hockey Camp I felt that I could play and teach kids the sport I love while growing in my faith and sharing my stories and experiences with other players. I developed some awesome new relationships and left the week excited and better equipped to be a light on my team at St. Cloud State.
Alaska
My experience at the camp in Alaska allowed me to not only share my faith with the campers and help them become better players, but I was really able to reflect on my own personal relationship with God and what His plans are for me within my campus and team at St. Cloud State. I met other Christian players from around the US and was able to connect and share experiences, while gaining solid brothers and sisters in Christ to hold one another accountable and be there through struggles as well as praises.
My Favorite Part of Camp
I helped out at the HMI Camp because I love the mission and direction that HMI represents. Every person that I have encountered from the HMI family is so evidently on-fire for God and spreading His word to hockey players worldwide. Each day at camp was an opportunity to impact a young athletes life. While teaching and helping them develop skills to be a successful hockey player, I was also able to stretch and test my own faith while bringing campers to Christ and truly knowing Him. One of my favorite parts of each day at camp is the on-ice large group prayer. After a long, competitive session on the ice it is so cool to see all the campers come together and pray with each other before continuing the rest of their day at camp.
Her advice for young athletes: "Work hard. Be respectful. Ask questions. Enjoy every moment. Spend time with your friends. Never wish time away."
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