Testimonials

Autism Disorder

Rewarding Experience

Autism Disorder

Thank you, Wyatt—and thank you to Hockey Mentors for giving our family such a meaningful experience.

Our son, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, had never been on skates before. He had never experienced the thrill of moving across the ice, hitting a puck, or feeling that sense of freedom.

Because of Hockey Mentors, he got to experience all of that—and more. In fact, he’s already asking when he can go back.

As parents, it meant everything to see our son smiling, skating, and enjoying an afternoon just like his neurotypical cousins and friends do.

We were honestly a little nervous going in—new experiences can be challenging—but from the moment we arrived, the volunteers made us feel comfortable, supported, and welcome.

You gave our family an unforgettable afternoon, and we are truly grateful.

– A Thankful Family

Making Memories

Rewarding Experience

Autism Disorder

I wanted to share how truly special our experience has been with Hockey Mentors. Every month, I take my two kids, Gannon and Ridley, to their skating event and it’s something they look forward to more than anything. From the moment we arrive, there’s a feeling of warmth, safety, and genuine care. My kids aren’t just learning to skate they’re building confidence, making memories, and feeling supported by an incredible group of people who truly have the biggest hearts. What makes this even more meaningful is that these amazing mentors volunteer their time simply to make a difference in the lives of others. Their kindness, patience, and encouragement create an environment where kids feel loved, protected, and free to just have fun. Seeing the smiles on Gannon and Ridley’s faces every time we go is something I’ll always be grateful for. Hockey Mentors isn’t just an event it’s a community, and it means so much to our family.

-Love the Brash Family

Rewarding Experience

Hi Wyatt,

Thanks! J-is is going so well for him. He has more fun every month. I’m super grateful for this organization:

I am beyond thankful for the Hockey Mentors adaptive program. Seeing my son light up as he learns to skate and hit the puck has been incredible. I think the most rewarding part is seeing Evan challenge himself. The volunteers are kind, encouraging, and truly invested in making him smile. Everyone has been so kind to us. Their support means more than words can express.

Thanks! J-Mom

A grateful mom

My son has been a hockey fan since he could crawl but we were always afraid to get him on the ice because we were not as experienced and we were not sure if he would even like it but once I found out about the program I was so excited! Not only was he able to get on the ice but the Hockey Mentors helped him play hockey on the ice while he sat on one of the seals! They made him feel like a real hockey player just like them and I am very grateful than I can put in words for that! Wyatt is an amazing young man who found a safe and fun way to get kids and adults with all kinds of needs and abilities a way to skate/play hockey/ or just have fun on the ice with friends alike. His parents and sister are just as amazing and helpful! Programs like this are so important for families to be able to get out and relax without any judgment and have fun!

- Nikki Cutis

This is a great picture! (Wyatt and their son)

Motor City Vets

Reluctant Skater

Thank you, Wyatt, for an incredible event. We were honored to help out and be a part of it.

Once you have the monthly skate schedule, please send it my way and you’ll have some volunteers from us every month. Thank you again for everything you do for the community!

Nate

July '25

Reluctant Skater

The boys had the most fantastic time!! They loved it so very much. One of them started on the ice until it ended trying to learn to skate. I can’t thank you enough for putting this on and for everything that you do to make everything so wonderful and special.

Mom

July '25

Thank You So Much!

Thank you for a wonderful day, Wyatt and crew.

Attached are some photos of Dahlia who received a day full of help from Luca. Her weak ankles prevent her from continuing on the ice more, but Luca brought the drills to her. It was such a great event. Thank you, again!

Jessica July '25

Happy Volunteer

Thank You So Much!

Hi Wyatt,

You are the leader of an incredible organization. Helping others on their first sled hockey experience was so rewarding, and I am so happy to be part of that special moment.

Mefi July '25

First Time On The Ice

We had an amazing time with the Hockey Mentors this past Saturday. My son Milo is Autistic and has never been on the ice and the Mentors got him out there and skating. The look on his face was priceless he loved it. What an amazing team they have over there with the hockey mentors. My other son Lucas was able to participate as well and he has never been on the ice either and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it thank you so much for giving our Family a great memorably fun day. We will definitely be back.
Matt (parent) '25

Thank You!

First Time On The Ice

Ryan had a great time. THANK YOU

(Mom) March '25

Had a Great Time

First Time On The Ice

Had a Great Time

Hi Wyatt,
Thank you so much for organizing this program. We really enjoyed having a great afternoon out. I hope we can make it again in April!
Laura (mom) March 25

Our First Time

We had a great time and what a wonderful thing for you and the volunteers to put on. Pleasantly surprised at how nice, accommodating and helpful everyone we spoke with was. For a first time event, it was very well organized and seemed to run smoothly.

Thank you to you and yours for a truly enjoyable day!

Karen (Friend of Special Guest)

Our Third Time

Our First Time

Hi Wyatt,

This is my son’s third year( I think) at your event, and he has a wonderful time every single year! He is 14 this year and has autism, and although he does not skate the other 364 days of the year, you can see he is all smiles coming to your event on this special day! The staff is always excellent, the gift bag is wonderful, and the volunteers out on the ice always blow me away. Such service of the heart! Thank you again for all the effort, for you gave a young man a very wonderful experience once again! Tasha (parent)

Hockey Fan

Our First Time

Our Second Year

Hello Wyatt,

Andy, Dena and Garrett would like to THANK YOU and all of the volunteers and staff for an amazing day! This was Garrett’s first time participating and he had a great time and he even briefly got out to try skates for his very first time! Garrett has developed a passion/interest for hockey from his dad who has played hockey, coached and referred a good portion of his life and this was such a great opportunity to get Garrett out and experience it with friends of disabilities. This really showed him nothing is impossible!

Thank you again and we look forward to 2025 Andy, Dena & Garrett (parents and guest of honor)

Our Second Year

Better Than We Expected

Our Second Year

Hi Wyatt,

I personally would like to thank you for hosting hockey mentors to introduce ice hockey to my daughter and son. This have given these two the opportunity to experience a little sport on ice. This is their 2nd year attending and they both had an amazing time at the event. Again, thank you and to all the other mentors on the ice for helping them. Most importantly a big thank you to all the sponsors for making this happen for all the children to experience.

Sang (parent)

Better Than We Expected

Good evening,

We had a blast with everything! Russell and his siblings had a fantastic time there on ice, goody bag with some nice stuff, foods, treats and especially all the volunteers were amazing!

Thank you to made this happen again! If your idea of learn to skate that you mentioned before last year happened, that would be awesome.

Below are a couple pictures I think they are great to share. Thank you again!

Joy (parent)

An Awesome Experience

Better Than We Expected

Hi Wyatt,

This was the first time Jack was on the Ice. And although he did not want to skate long he had a great time and talked about Hockey all weekend. Thank you to you and your awesome volunteers that made him feel welcome at the event!!

I hope you can do this again and we will be there. Maybe he will stay on the ice longer!!

Thanks again. Jane (parent)

Special Day

Huge Thanks!

Special Day

Wyatt,

Attached is a picture of Lyndon and you taken on Saturday. Thank you so much for another great year of fun. It’s good seeing old friends and making new. We appreciate your kindness and making this day so fun and special. Thank you again and Lyndon is already looking forward to next year.

Lisa (parent)

Thank You!

Huge Thanks!

Special Day

Thank you so much!!!! We had a blast!

Nicole (parent)

Huge Thanks!

Great Volunteer

Laney loved the event on Saturday, what a great experience for all those that attended AND those that volunteered their time! Huge thanks to you Wyatt & team.

Heidi (Parent)

Great Volunteer

Exactly What We Wanted

Great Volunteer

I just wanted to say thank you, Nina and her sisters had a great time. The volunteer Faith was very nice and thoughtfully asked for the music to be turned down when it was a little loud and overwhelming for Nina. Thanks again. Lauren (parent)

Exactly What We Wanted

What a fun time at Hockey Mentors for Special Olympians with Jodi, McKenna, and Corbin! James has been asking to play hockey for a long time now, so this event was exactly what we were looking for! Ian was signed up but decided to only watch.

James did some ice skating which he enjoyed but its still a struggle. There was also an area for sled hockey which we heard a lot about and he was able to try it out. He did so well!! We received information about a local sled team

It felt like for so long hockey was out of reach for him so this mama's heart is full and immensely relieved!

Stacey (parent)

Geared Up To Go

Exactly What We Wanted

Thank you so much, Wyatt!

My son was so happy to be geared up and on the ice! It was a perfect day!!

Lynn (parent)

“I am always impressed by young people who understand philanthropy and regularly give back to our local community — Wyatt Lucas puts his heart and soul into helping others,” Valiena Allison, the grants committee chair for the Troy Community Foundation, said in a press release. “Wyatt spends countless hours fundraising for his Special Needs Hockey Tournament, and this is a special day for folks who might not have had the opportunity to lace up some skates and hit the ice. Wyatt provides the ice time, the needed equipment, hockey coaches and mentors, and lunch. This event is certainly one that each participant looks forward to and will cherish the memories from afterward.”

Valiena Allison (TCF Chair)

What people are saying about Hockey Mentors

Read what families have to say about Hockey Mentors.

Autism Disorder

Rewarding Experience

Autism Disorder

Making Memories

Rewarding Experience

Autism Disorder

Rewarding Experience

Rewarding Experience

Rewarding Experience

A grateful mom

Motor City Vets

Reluctant Skater

Reluctant Skater

Reluctant Skater

Reluctant Skater

Reluctant Skater

Thank You So Much!

Thank You So Much!

Thank You So Much!

Happy Volunteer

Thank You So Much!

Thank You So Much!

First Time On The Ice

First Time On The Ice

First Time On The Ice

Thank You!

First Time On The Ice

First Time On The Ice

Had a Great Time

First Time On The Ice

Had a Great Time

Our First Time

Our First Time

Our First Time

Our Third Time

Our First Time

Our First Time

Hockey Fan

Our First Time

Our Second Year

Our Second Year

Better Than We Expected

Our Second Year

Better Than We Expected

Better Than We Expected

Better Than We Expected

An Awesome Experience

Better Than We Expected

Better Than We Expected

Special Day

Huge Thanks!

Special Day

Thank You!

Huge Thanks!

Special Day

Huge Thanks!

Huge Thanks!

Great Volunteer

Great Volunteer

Exactly What We Wanted

Great Volunteer

Exactly What We Wanted

Exactly What We Wanted

Exactly What We Wanted

Geared Up To Go

Exactly What We Wanted

Exactly What We Wanted