My name is James Schwanz, and I am trying to raise money for my son Avery Schwanz so he may continue to pursue his goal to be the highest-level ice hockey goaltender possible.

Avery is a 17-year-old soon-to-be senior at Kenmore West HS, aspiring to meet his potential as an ice hockey goaltender. He began playing hockey at the age of 4 and by the time he was 7 had transitioned to playing full-time goalie. Early on Avery showed great potential and by the time Avery turned 8 he had been selected to play as one of 2 all-star goalies for the Tonawanda Lightning and was scouted to play for the Clarence Mustangs.

In the March of 2023, after not playing for 7 years, Avery approached me and said, "dad, I want to play hockey again." Avery began to attend as many skate and shoot opportunities, signed up for a Spring/Summer hockey league, and on May 20, 2023, played his first game in 7 years! In the Fall of 2023 Avery began playing for the Cheektowaga Warriors but knew he had the potential to play at a higher level, so for the past 2 years Avery has been relentless in his work ethic and applying himself to catching up from the time that he had taken off.

Since getting back into hockey, Avery has played travel hockey for the Southtown Stars, Kenmore West Blue Devils, two seasons of WNY Spring/Summer Hockey, and for the 2025-26 season will be playing tournament bound travel

hockey for the Niagara Junior Eagles. He's attended Bob Janosz and Nick Vilardo goalie camps, serves as a goaltending mentor to younger goalies in the Tonawanda Whalers and Howie's Spring/Summer hockey program, and even has his own local landscaping business.

Most recently, Avery was approached by Nick Vilardo goaltending with the opportunity to join his elite 1/1 mentoring program! In this unique program Avery will receive regular 1/1 video meetings, goalie-specific homework, customized off ice programs, access to sports specialists, assistance with advancement to next-level programs, assistance/guidance on NCAA hockey programs, and unlimited access to goalie clinics.

Although my wife Dawn and I are trying our best to finance Avery's fees, your assistance of Avery's Ice Hockey Dream and supporting a young man who's overcome so much adversity is greatly appreciated!

Please help us meet Avery's goal!