Resilience Starts Here

Since joining the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) last year, James has blossomed in the classroom and on the ice thanks to newfound motivation to face his health challenges head on.

“The change we’ve seen in our son since he joined the WJHA has been amazing,” said Meagan, James’ mom. “The program has given James the push he needed to get through the difficult times he faces physically and emotionally.”

James has a rare lung disease called PCD, which consistently makes it hard for him to breathe and requires him to get breathing treatment daily. Because of his illness, James often lacked motivation to go to school, but since joining the WJHA his perspective has changed.

“The WJHA has helped my physical health and helped me feel more confident in school because I now have something to look forward to every day,” said James.

“James has battled so hard and often feels discouraged and different from his classmates,” said Meagan, “Since he joined the WJHA, he wakes up excited to play hockey and go to school, especially because he knows working hard in school is important for the WJHA program, and he now goes through every treatment knowing it’s going to help him on the ice.”

The goal of the WJHA is to increase school attendance and graduation rates in socially and economically challenged schools in Winnipeg by providing recreational opportunities for underserved youth. Along with the chance to learn hockey, develop their skills and be a part of a team, WJHA students also have access to mentorship, tutoring, volunteer and job opportunities and various outings and after-school programming.

Through the WJHA, James had the opportunity to skate with some hockey heroes.

“One of my favourite memories from playing in the WJHA is when I got to skate with Gabe Vilardi from the Jets and Tyrel Bauer from the Moose,” said James. “It was awesome.”

Another highlight was when he earned a hat trick in one of his WJHA games.

“I’m proud of scoring goals,” said James, who recognizes the payoff of working hard in practices and persevering through drills, which only grows his confidence.

“James now sees himself as an important part of his team,” said Meagan. “The WJHA gives kids the opportunity to see themselves as valuable, important, and capable.”

Being in the WJHA has also influenced James to set goals for himself and his future.

“My goals are to get a scholarship and to keep playing hockey – and maybe score another hat trick!” said James.

“He now has a place he belongs, a place where he is no different than every other ten-year-old trying to play hockey,” said Meagan. “We cannot thank the WJHA enough for giving him this opportunity.”