It was a special day for the Harvard and Clarkson hockey communities when they hit the ice on December 6. Though competitors in the rink, both teams came together in their united support for Team IMPACT, welcoming four Team IMPACT families and raising almost $5,000 for Team IMPACT.
“Team IMPACT – and our relationship with Parker, specifically – mean so much to our team,” said Noah Janfaza, a Team IMPACT Fellow and member of the Harvard hockey team. Noah, alongside teammate and Fellow David Hejduk, the entire Harvard hockey team, and members of the Harvard Athletic department, wanted to do something special to honor Parker, all the Team IMPACT matches at Harvard and Clarkson, and their contributions to their teams.
“Parker has been a vital part of our group for years now – he is a constant source of joy and positivity –, so creating a chance to recognize him and raise awareness for Team IMPACT was a no-brainer,” Noah said. “For us, this night was about honoring Parker and the Watsons, spreading positivity, and encouraging other teams and families to get involved with Team IMPACT.”
In the arena, Parker participated in the ceremonial puck drop before the game and received video shoutouts from his teammates during TV timeouts. Between periods, they featured videos recapping the team’s friendship with Parker, and Parker was honored live on the JumboTron during the third quarter. Throughout the game, there were live reads about Team IMPACT over the PA system and a QR code for fans to get involved. On the concourse, there was a table for attendees to learn more about Team IMPACT. Team IMPACT CEO Joe Daniels was also featured on ESPN+’s broadcast, highlighting Harvard’s incredible work and dedication to supporting Team IMPACT.
Together, the Harvard hockey community raised almost $5,000, every dollar of which will go to getting more kids like Parker in the game, at Harvard and beyond. “Thank you to Harvard men’s hockey and Harvard Athletics for putting on such an amazing event!” said Emma Simches, Northeast Director of Programs at Team IMPACT. “We could not do the work we do without communities l like yours.”
Events like Team IMPACT Night at Harvard Men’s Hockey highlight the power of our student-athlete population and the strength that comes from the support of a community. “Nights like this are important for Team IMPACT and Harvard Athletics because it’s important to spread joy. Our team, and Harvard Athletics as whole, is incredibly proud of its relationship with Team IMPACT,” Noah said. “If sharing our experience through Team IMPACT Night at Harvard Hockey can encourage one more family to join the organization or lead to one more team signing up to be a match, then the event was a success.”
Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched 22 children to rosters at Harvard, with current Team IMPACT teammates signed to the men’s and women’s hockey, men’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and softball teams. Additionally, Clarkson has signed four Team IMPACT teammates to its rosters, including active matches on the men’s hockey and men’s lacrosse teams.
“Team IMPACT means the world to me because the organization embodies why I love team sports. Team IMPACT is all about being a part of something greater than yourself, and to me, that’s the best feeling in the world. That’s the power of team – this idea of contributing to something and being a part of something much greater than just ourselves. There’s nothing like it,” Noah said. “For our group over these past few years with Parker, we’ve developed a true sense of belonging and purpose together. We’ve formed special relationships that I know will last a lifetime. I’m truly grateful to be a part of Team IMPACT.”
So what’s next for Harvard and Team IMPACT? According to Noah, they’re just getting started. “I am excited to see Team IMPACT continue to grow at Harvard, and I hope one day every team at Harvard will be matched with a Team IMPACT family.”
