Game On Magazine 2017 Nov Game On low res | Page 46

NEWEST JET
GIVES BACK
TO FAMILIES IN NEED
BY RYAN DITTRICK
GROWING UP IN A MILITARY HOUSEHOLD,
WINNIPEG JETS FORWARD MATT HENDRICKS
LEARNED THE VALUE OF LOYALTY,
TOUGHNESS, TEAMWORK AND DISCIPLINE
MORE STRICTLY THAN MOST.
Matt’s father, Cpl. Douglas J. Hendricks, served in the United States Marine
Corps in the 1970’s and was every bit the firm, dominant symbol you’d
expect of a serviceman.
“I’m glad I was raised that way,” Hendricks said. “I truly believe it
helped propel my hockey career. When it comes to training, nutrition,
working together as a team to accomplish a common goal… It all
comes down to discipline.”
“It taught me a lot, and I’m just trying to use that now to help give back.”
For Hendricks, now an 11-year veteran, charitable endeavours have always
been a big part of his life’s work. However, it was early in his pro career
when one in particular jumped out, giving him and his wife, Kim, the
opportunity to give back to the sport they love and help military families in
need, all in one fell swoop.
The United Heroes League – formerly
‘Defending the Blue Line’ – is a non-profit
initiative, founded by former Minnesota
Army National Guard solider Shane
Hudella, that helps military families
overcome the high cost of organized
sports, and ensures the children of
active duty members and veterans are
given every opportunity to participate.
SHANE HUDELLA
The Hendricks family, who’s based in Minnesota, reached out and wanted to
get involved.
“It’s amazing how big it’s become,” Hendricks said. “It started back in
2009, and just last year, we changed the name, branching out to a bunch of
other sports, not just hockey.