Mercyhurst Men’s Ice Hockey signs 6-year-old recruit

In a first for Mercyhurst University, the school’s Division 1 Men’s Ice Hockey Team will announce its newest recruit on Friday, Sept. 22, signing 6-year-old Jace Keeley of Erie through Team IMPACT.

Jace, who is diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 that currently manifests as a benign brain tumor, will be introduced at a signing day press conference at 4 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.

“This is a first for Mercyhurst, and I believe in the region, and our guys are over the moon about it,” said Coach Rick Gotkin. “We are going to do everything we can to give Jace a great experience, but it is our team that is truly blessed.”

Gotkin said Jace will join players in many team activities. “He will hang out in the locker room, eat pre-game meals with us, celebrate after the games; and whatever else we can think of,” said Gotkin, who credited senior forward Steven Agriogianis with facilitating the university’s relationship with Team IMPACT.

“Obviously, this is a memorable day for Jace and his family, but it is also a great day for the Mercyhurst Hockey Team,” Agriogianis said. “Our team takes pride in the culture that has been created, something that is driven by having high quality people in and around our program. Because of our new addition, our culture has gotten even stronger. Jace is an unbelievable kid whose character fits right in with the other 30 members of our team. Jace's strength and positive outlook on everything that confronts him will teach the rest of our team valuable lessons and give us extra motivation throughout the season.” 

Jace is the son of Sean and Natalie Keeley and he has an 8-year-old sister, Isla.

“As a mom, you try to find something your child really enjoys, their niche,” Natalie said. “Well, this is Jace’s thing. He spends so much time at the hospital that to see him smiling, messing around with the guys, and just being a boy is something we all look forward to.”

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.

Grace Lerro, regional director of match-up for Team IMPACT’s Mid-Atlantic Region, said of the Mercyhurst match: “Rick (Gotkin) understood the value of Team IMPACT from our very first call. When coaches are bought in and you have student leaders like Steven, it helps the entire team get excited. The guys welcomed Jace with open arms right off the bat, and we are confident their relationship will only grow stronger with time!”

PHOTO: Jace is joined by hockey team members, from left, Kyler Head, Steven Agriogianis, Mickey Burns, Marko Reifenberger, and Garett Dahm.