I'm Heath, dad of Finnik O'Donnell. Four years ago, my son got to meet the Tampa Bay Lightning during their Ball Hockey camp held at their school. That afternoon, Finnik came to his mom and me and said, "I want to be a Lightning Player." A 5-year-old with passion can't be ignored.

Now, four years later, Finn is on his way, currently playing Ice Hockey at the TGH IcePlex in the 10u Rec League. In the Fall 2024 season, he helped his team win the Steever Cup Playoffs and showed great leadership in encouraging his team after a rocky start to the Spring 2025 season. Meanwhile, he has also encouraged his youngest sister to begin her skating journey and helps teach her during free skate sessions, as well as friends from his Homeschool Co-Op

But the boy is growing, and Hockey in Florida is expensive. New equipment, registration fees, practice tools, and ice time all cost money.

I in no way want to limit this boy's passion for the sport and want to be able to give him the ability to really show up in the Fall 2025 season at his league, without sacrificing his ability to play due to rising costs elsewhere.

Any money raised would go directly to hockey-related costs for Finnik: Season registration fees (Rec League and USA Hockey Membership $679), ice time and private lessons (~$90 a week), new personal equipment, and at-home practice equipment (dry land tiles and training aids). Any extra raised over the calculated need would be put towards future seasons or equipment replacements as needed.