NEW LONDON, Conn. – Connecticut College men's ice hockey head coach Jim Ward announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Finn Walters through Team IMPACT.

Finn, who was diagnosed with Leukemia, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Saturday, September 30th, in the Connecticut College Hall of Fame Room. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.

"We are excited to have Finn join the Connecticut College Men's Ice Hockey Team", said Ward. "Having Finn as a teammate only makes our team stronger as we prepare for the upcoming season. We thank Team IMPACT for our partnership that has existed for almost a decade. Jack Luca, our Team IMPACT captain, has been integral in the recruitment process of Finn and fundraising efforts over the past two summers."

Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.

"Team IMPACT is excited to see Finn officially join the Camels," said Emma Simches, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Connecticut College, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."

Connecticut College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 10 years, matching 9 children across its men's and women's basketball, men's hockey, men's soccer, women's lacrosse, and women's volleyball teams. 

"We are super excited to have Finn officially sign with our team," Luca said. "Getting to know Finn over the past year has been a joy and we are pumped to have him join the squad! Team IMPACT is an incredible organization and provides an incredible relationship experience between families and college sports programs. It has been inspiring learning from Finn and watching him grow as a person."

About Team IMPACT

Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.