MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – In the heart of Madison, a remarkable ice hockey team is redefining what it means to play the game.
The Wisconsin Timber Wolves are proving that it’s not just about goals and assists. However, the sport of hockey goes much deeper.
The Timber Wolves are more focused on building a family and proving that on the ice, limits exist only to be broken.
For players like Evan Halpop, a goaltender who has been with the Timber Wolves since 2008, the community is a lifeline.
“When you’re here, you have a community. They can help you through anything, even if it is recurring tumors for 12, 13 years,” Halpop said.
It’s this very unwavering support that brings players like Halpop back year after year, forging bonds that face every challenge with immense heart.
“This is the team to be on if you want to grow into the person you want to be tomorrow,” Halpop said. “They will bend over backwards to make sure you’re okay.”
The Timber Wolves are built on one powerful mission: to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive, no matter the obstacles.
Angie Mullis, a parent of two boys on the team, emphasizes just how much of an impact she has seen the organization make on her children.
“My 13-year-old found being on a traditional hockey team a challenge due to his disability,” Mullis said. “He found the Timber Wolves and it’s been great for him to be in an environment that is okay with his challenges.”
However, the mission extends beyond just the players, deeply impacting the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time. Partnering with the Edgewood High School hockey team, the Timber Wolves are able to partner their players along with individual volunteers to make sure their players’ specific needs are met.
Rowan White, an Edgewood alumni and current Madison Capitols goaltender, began volunteering for the Timber Wolves back in his sophomore year of high school.
Five years later, he remains just as involved with the organization as he did in his high school days.
“This does not feel like volunteering. This just feels like something that I would love to do every Sunday and that’s why I still do it to this day,” White said. “There’s just so much heart and everybody’s here for each other. Everybody just has huge hearts and it’s going great places and I’m just super glad that I get to be a part of it.”
Out on the ice, the Timber Wolves are a living testament to courage and determination, and proving that with every stride and every shot, that perceived limitations are merely opportunities for triumph.
“It’s just inspiring and amazing to see these kids out there doing something that people might think they can’t do. And they can. And that’s great to see,” Mullis said.
If you are interested in joining or donating to the organization, you are encouraged to visit their website witimberwolves.com, or connect with them on social media, @witimberwolvesspecialhockey.
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