During his earliest years, New Hampshire native Andrew Silsby was just a normal kid.
At the age of five, everything changed. Silsby was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and had surgery within two days to treat it.
After seven years of difficult therapy and relearning nearly every aspect of life, he was matched with the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team through the Friends of Jaclyn program. This relationship has seen his role blossom from simply giving out high fives to acting almost as a student-manager, making rounds at the Whittemore Center to complete tasks set before him by director of hockey operations Colin Shank.
Pucks and Recreation recently got the chance to correspond with Andrew about his relationship with the team.
How long have you been with the team?
I was adopted by the team five years ago. This upcoming season will be my sixth year with the team.
What was the first time you met them like?
It was really exciting, but overwhelming too. It felt really nice to have so many people who cared about what happened to me. I got to watch practice, and then we had a locker room ceremony where I told them my story where they gave me a hat and shirt and welcomed me to the team. The coach and guys were really awesome. It was a real highlight in my life and a memory I will never forget.
What do you do on a weekly basis with the team?
I try to get over to rink at least once per week, and some of the guys work with me on skating and stick work. My balance and coordination is still not right, so skating is really hard for me, but I love hockey so much, so it is fun to skate with them. I also go to all of the home games and most of the away games. I draw a picture for the team before every game for good luck.
Is there any player, or players that you have grown closest to over the years?
There are always a handful of players each year that really step up and make an extra effort to get to know me. I have maintained friendships with a lot of the guys that have graduated, and we keep in contact and they will take time to visit me if they are in the area.
The first person who really made me feel welcome and took me under his wing was Justin Agosta. I have maintained friendships with some of the guys who now play in the NHL and AHL, so that is really cool. This past year, (current Chicago Blackhawk) Trevor van Riemsdyk invited me to watch him play when he was in Boston. I met him after the game and he gave me a signed stick. He has also supported my fundraising efforts over the last few years too.
Does this relationship help bring a sense of normalcy to your normally hectic life?
Yes, being a kid with disabilities isn’t always easy. Day-to-day life can be really challenging. School is hard for me due to my learning disabilities. It is hard for me to compete in sports because of my issues with coordination and balance, and relating to my peers isn’t always easy. My relationship with the team gives me something that makes me proud and others admire. The team accepts me for who I am and welcomes me with open arms.
As you’ve grown older, how has your relationship with the team changed?
I was adopted when I was 12, so I was little kid just happy to give the guys high fives. As I have gotten older, the age gap has closed and the director of hockey operations has given me some jobs around the rink, so I am becoming more like a student-manager. I think it is easier to be friends with the boys now because we are closer in age.
Has being around the team influenced your goals in life in any way?
Absolutely! School has always been hard for me, but when I started spending time at UNH I realized that I want to go there some day. And I really have put more effort into my work to improve my grades and hope to attend UNH when I graduate from high school. I also have begun fundraising to give back to the organization that organized this adoption. Last year I raised $12,000 through a golf tournament to give back and I am planning the second golf tournament for September 2017 and hope to raise more than last year.
What do you want to do when you get older?
I will graduate from high school in two years and want to attend UNH. I would like to be a student-manager for the hockey team through my college years. Right now, I am thinking that I want to be an elementary school teacher but also think about doing something in sports management. My dream job would to be the director of hockey operations for UNH someday.
What is your favorite memory with the team?
My favorite memory is when we made Hockey East playoffs a few years ago and we played at the TD Garden. The team gave me a pass to meet them in the locker room and I carried the goalie’s helmet out to the net before the game. Walking on the ice in front of all the fans was amazing. I think a close second was going to Frozen Fenway this year. I am a huge Red Sox fan, so being able to be there on the field and in the locker room was pretty cool.
Author’s note: Pucks and Rec also caught up Andrew’s mother, Sue Silsby, for a second perspective on her son’s unique relationship with the program.
What was your first reaction to the news of your son’s diagnosis?
I was completely devastated. He is my only child, and the prognosis ranged from death to near normal recovery and everything in between. The thought of losing him at five years old was unbearable, and thankfully he has made an unbelievable recovery.
How does it feel as a parent seeing the team take him under their wing?
It is so heartwarming to see these amazing student-athletes make the time for Andrew. I am not sure they know how impactful the relationship is, but they have totally changed Andrew’s outlook on life. It has given him the confidence and strength that he needed to feel good about himself, and being a valued part of this team has helped shape the wonderful young man that he has become.
Coach (Dick) Umile and Colin Shank have been unbelievable and the reason that this has been so successful. They always include him and make him feel special. That they take the time with their busy schedules to make Andrew a priority has been pretty awesome to watch.
In a life that can be demanding with doctor’s visits and the ever-changing schedule of a high schooler, what is it like to have a constant event be a part of his life?
Honestly, we now live for UNH hockey. It has become an important part of our life and we attend all of the games. It is just Andrew and me, so this has provided a great mother-son bonding experience. We have great memories traveling to watch the team; and win or lose we always enjoy the game. Both of our lives have been greatly impacted by being part of this special extended family.
Did the time Andrew spent with the team help take a load off of your shoulders as a parent?
No, not really. Andrew just got his license this year, so I was busy driving him to practice and games. It did lift an emotional load off my shoulders, though. He has been through a lot in his short life, and watching him grow up and have this wonderful experience, and the change in his self-esteem and confidence has given me peace.
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