When 16-year-old Tomas joined the Stonehill College hockey team in June 2024, he quickly found himself embraced as more than just a teammate—he became family. Living with neurofibromatosis, Tomas has faced challenges, but with the Skyhawks, he found a place of belonging, support, and joy.
From the very beginning, Stonehill head coach David Berard and the entire team made sure Tomas and Team IMPACT were a priority. Tomas has been welcomed into the locker room, skated alongside the guys during practices, and even taken part in media days. He proudly shows off his team to his friends and loves collecting the sticks, decals, and gear his teammates give him as the seasons go by.
At the heart of Tomas’ connection to the team is his friendship with Cam Mannion. The two built a special bond that extends far beyond the rink. Cam has become a constant presence for Tomas, always finding ways to make him feel like one of the guys. When Tomas learned Team IMPACT was accepting nominations for Teammate of the Year, he knew Cam was his guy.
“Right from the start, Cam made Tomas feel like a member of the team, going out of his way to spend time with Tomas and always treating him with kindness and respect,” said Tomas’ mom, Andrea. “Cam is a wonderful role model both on and off the ice, showing Tomas what it means to be a good sport and that it is alright to lose as long as you do your best.”
Andrea recalled a time when Cam arranged for a group of the guys to come to Tomas’ hockey practice and another group to celebrate his birthday and play street hockey. “They made him feel so special on his birthday,” she said. “Tomas loves hanging out with Cam and just being one of the guys.”
It’s no surprise that Cam was inspired to become a Team IMPACT Fellow after seeing firsthand the power of connection with Tomas. For both Cam and Tomas, this friendship has been about more than hockey—it’s about loyalty, laughter, and the life lessons that come from being part of a true team.
