HERSHEY, Pa. — Jamie Reynolds and his family never thought he would be able to participate in sports after he was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, when he was eight years old.
However, five years later his sports dream came true.
The Lebanon Valley College men's hockey team partnered up with Team IMPACT, a non-profit that matches kids with college teams, to help 13-year-old Jamie do what he and his family never thought was possible, become a member of a college sports team.
"It’s definitely something he wouldn't be doing on his own," said Carrie Reynolds, Jamie's mother. "If Team IMPACT wasn't involved, and Coach [Parsons] wasn't willing, he wouldn't be a part of a team. So it's a good thing."
“It's just not an opportunity he'd have any other way," said Jonathan Clark, Jamie's father. "It really means the world."
After signing his official letter of intent, Jamie could describe the moment in three words.
"[I was] excited, nervous, [and it was] special," said Jamie.
Jamie had been going to practices and games since last year, taking notes, and even giving coach pointers. His impact on the team did not go unnoticed and he is now a part of the Flying Dutchmen family.
"We're so we're so honored and proud to be able to bring a kid like Jamie into this team and welcome him with open arms and see the difference that we make in his life, and the difference that he makes in our life," said Don Parsons, head coach of the Lebanon Valley College men's hockey team. "It's a great feeling and a win-win for everybody."
"It's just been awesome to have [Jamie] around. [It's a] great morale booster," said Mac Diver, Lebanon Valley College defenseman and team captain. "He always puts a smile on everyone's face when he's here, and it's just always great to see him and his family at the rink."
To the team, Jamie is a reminder that a special roster addition can have just as big an impact off the ice.
"I think bringing Jamie in here adds extra value to not only Jamie but to these guys," said Parsons. "To realize how important things outside hockey are."
It's a relationship that could be the possible missing piece to a championship-caliber puzzle.
"I think we've got everyone dedicated here. Jamie is just as dedicated as anyone in this room," said Diver. "He wants to be here, wants to contribute, wants help in every single way, and we're just looking forward to getting started."