Hendrickson Foundation

Some athletes leave a mark on the scoresheet. Others leave a mark on people.

Jake Middleton has been one of those people.

We know... he’s headed back home to Canada.🇨🇦 And honestly, that feels pretty fitting. But we’d be lying if we said we’re handling it all that well.

Minnesota isn’t just losing #5. Our hockey family is saying goodbye to someone who became so much more than a hockey player.

Somewhere along the way, Jake became one of us. He coached. He mentored. He paddled through the Boundary Waters with our sled athletes. He sat around the campfire swapping stories. He raced sleds. Handed out trophies. Signed jerseys. Shared meals. Donated equipment. And no matter how busy life got, he always found time for one more conversation, one more photo, one more moment to give.

Especially within the Twin Cities Sled Hockey program, Jake has been a constant. An honorary coach. A mentor. A trusted friend. And the best part? None of it was ever for the recognition. He simply cared. He showed up. Again and again. For the athletes, the families and the mission.

Jake, thank you for every practice, every event, every laugh, every mile, every autograph, and every moment you gave so freely to this community. Your impact reaches far beyond the game of hockey.

We’ll miss seeing #5 around our rinks, our events, and our campfires more than words can say. But we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Thank you for believing in our athletes. Thank you for believing in us. And thank you for becoming part of this hockey family.

Something tells us this isn’t goodbye. Maybe we’ll see you a little less often. Maybe the miles will be a little greater. But if there’s an opportunity to show up for the athletes… we have a feeling Jake Middleton will find his way back. Because that’s what Jake Middleton does.

You’ll always have a home here Middsy. 💪🏒

What a weekend!

We won some, we lost some. We had a great time with our teammates and connecting with our Warrior brothers and sisters from across the country. We enjoyed celebrating all of the diversified hockey disciplines.

A huge thank you to the Hendrickson Foundation and all the sponsors and volunteers who make this festival happen.

We can't wait to see you again next year!