Hockey Trails
Here is a listing of some of the campers and counselors who have moved on to Junior and College hockey after attending Chicago Christian Hockey Camp International.
Vaughan Vipers
OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League)
Over the past ten years or so I’ve been to probably 25 HMI camps; even a few in Europe, and I’d have to say that the Chicago camp is consistently my favorite camp. It is most often times the highlight of my summer, for 10 years as a camper and now as a counselor/on ice helper. For me it is a priceless week where I get to have all my best friends together at one time and can really feel God work and His presence. It is like a spiritual training camp for me and has many times recharged my spiritual battery, in a way that nothing else does.
Robert Morris ACAH D3
Playing hockey 15 years. I owe everything I have to God and without HMI I would not have the relationship I do with my creator. It is because of the Lord that I have the chance and privilege to play college hockey and also became the Captain. The Lord has given me more than I could ever ask for and more than I feel I've deserved, he's given me skill, strength, courage, and health. Without any of these and more importantly God's love I wouldn't be the man I am. I have endured many struggles and trials as Captain which I thought would end badly or result in losing my team, but because I had the Lord on my side, I was able to prevail in the face of these tests and hardships. I owe my relationship with my creator to my family at CHCI, without them I would be a sheep lost in the darkness.
Oakland University Grizzlies ACHA D1
I've been attending Hmi camps since I was 12. I kept coming back because of the good goalie instruction, as well as the off ice time spent with other Christian hockey players. Even after I aged out of the camp, I wanted to come back. So I did as both a counselor and on ice instructor. I've been to camps in 3 different cities and each one was a life changing experience.
Bethel University Royals NCAA D3 MIAC
Not only was I in an encouraging, Christian environment, but I was surrounded by coaches that knew the game of hockey and knew how to improve my skills. Even today, playing college D3 hockey, I use the skills I learned at this camp. It was at this camp I learned how to make my wrist shot better, practice perfect skating form, and learn how to make quick, hard passes.
Liberty University ACHA D1
Jesus and hockey have both been major aspects of my life from a very young age. Both of my parents are strong Christ-followers, and I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember, but my faith really took off and started to grow when I went to college. I had allowed hockey to become a god in my life to the point where it began to define who I was. While I did still want to use hockey for God’s glory, I realized that I had closed my mind to God using me in any other venues. As scary as it was to admit, if God wasn’t willing to use me in the world of hockey, then I didn’t want his plan for my life. I went through freshman year of college with this mentality, until sophomore year when I had hockey “taken away” in a sense. I dressed nearly every game and got maybe one or two shifts in a small handful of games all season. At this point I was literally forced to redefine myself. With nothing left of my hockey dreams, I had no choice but to cling to God and trust that he had a better plan for me than I had for myself. I laid my hockey career on the altar and awaited further instruction from God. I transferred schools and am now playing hockey for Liberty… Somewhere I would have never ended up if I was planning my own life, but is a better fit than I ever could have imagined. I am having more fun with the game than I ever had in my life, and am playing better than I ever have… all because I gave everything up to the Lord, and He chose to bless me in return.
Mckendree University ACHA
My whole life I was the only one or one of few Christians on my hockey teams. It was great to be able to play with and build relationships with Christian guys. It was so encouraging and motivating to keep being a light for Christ, when I knew others were doing the same on their teams. Also there are plenty of older players that are great examples for me and I was able to learn a lot from them at HMI. The camp took my play and my relationship with God to a whole other level.
Motor city metal jacket, NAHL junior A tier 2
Camp has helped me get the closest to God when compared to anything else I have done in my whole life. In hockey, God is the best motivation you can have.
United States Hockey League (USHL) Tier 1 Junior A
Des Moines Buccaneers
Camp is the highlight of my year, I get to be with all my best friends and some pro hockey players worshipping God. The on-ice staff is fantastic and I couldn't be where I am in my career without them. Camp really takes my relationship with Christ to the next level, I can't say enough about everybody that helps make CHCI a special place to be every year.
Vaughan Vipers JR A OJAHL
In the two years I attended the HMI Chicago camp, I developed a healthier spiritual relationship with God, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Camp was one of the best experiences I have had and look forward to it every single year!
ACAH D2 Eastern Kentucky
HMI is a huge reason I am the Christian I am today and the hockey player I am today. I love coming back and seeing all the friends I've made and connecting with God in an awesome way. I can't thank the HMI staff and volunteers enough for all they do for this camp. God has truly blessed this camp and he never ceases to amaze me every time I come back.
Chicago Hitman GLJHL Junior B
Growing up in a family that was catholic and attending a catholic school for 9 years it was always easy to have my faith. Most of this changed once I left that protective barrier entering a public high school, with no references to the Lord or any part of him to be found. I was already attending CHCI for years, which helped me to maintain my spiritual strength, at least what I had thought it to be. Not until my junior year when I lost a dear friend was I able to fully accept and give all I had to Christ. This is when camp became more than just that week away from mom and dad, but rather a reminder of why I needed the 5 days of physical and spiritual devotion as well as improvement. I attended the Chicago camp for 8 years and each year I was able to grasp a new part of my already accepted faith, but more importantly I learned why I needed to keep attending this second home. I am now a Christian and nothing makes me become more humble than being able to sit and read what our Lord had went through and what he changes plans for us. It completely changes you, in the best way possible. The temptations of everyday life are hard enough as it is, but being devoted you are able to see these temptations fully and turn away with a sense of pride. This pride is not within yourself but in a higher being, Jesus. Last year I played for the Chicago Hitmen in the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League where I had an extremely successful season, but Satan was extremely powerful in his temptations, but with the endurance given to me by Jesus and his word I was able to maintain a steady head. I now attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville where I am currently studying to become a forensic technician and also playing hockey. All of this comes second to spreading the word of God to friends and teammates, which surprisingly is not that hard when you have a willing ear to listen. Here I have a teammate that I confide in, and he in me. We hold each other accountable, but more importantly we have each other for support and guidance. I believe anything is possible when you have faith in Jesus and I am a living example of this. No matter how big or small the feat may be, you always have your brothers and sisters in Christ whom have either been in your footsteps or are able to help you in your struggles. Life is a journey, but it does not have to be explored alone. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Minnesota Junior Hockey League Dell Ducks
Over the past 6 yrs I've been attending Christian hockey camp. I began my walk with Christ at this camp, and its drastically changed my life. Every year at camp I learn new things about Christianity that make my walk even stronger. Christian hockey camp brings the best out of me and just always turns me into a better person. Its just simply amazing how one place has everything I find precious in life (hockey and God) and many friends to share the experiences with.
ACHA D2 Wheaton College
I attended CHCI Chicago for the first five years as a camper and then eight years as a counselor. During that time, I made lifelong friendships and developed critical spiritual development skills. I thank God for this camp and for the way that he uses it as a catalyst for spiritual growth in all of our lives!
