BOSTON – Northeastern University head coach Jerry Keefe has announced the signing of Simon Valencia-Devin as the newest member of the Huskies men's ice hockey program. Simon comes to Northeastern through a partnership with Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.

"We talk a lot about team, culture and having great people surrounding our program here at Northeastern, and we're very excited to be adding another great person to our team in Simon," said Keefe. "This is great for everyone involved. As much as everyone talks about how nice it is for Simon to have a team, it's just as important for us to have Simon as part of our team. I know it means a lot to our players, and this is a big day for all of us involved."
 
Simon was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Monday, November 15 at the Matthews Arena, during which he signed his official letter of intent. Simon's family was in attendance, along with his new teammates and members of the Northeastern athletics department. Now an official member of the Huskies men's ice hockey team, Simon will attend practices, games and team functions.

"It was an amazing evening to watch Simon officially join the Northeastern University family," said Danielle Hardee, Team IMPACT Regional Director of Programs, Northeast. "We cannot thank the Northeastern men's ice hockey team, athletic department and campus enough for making this such a memorable event."

More on Simon
Simon is a brave 8-year-old, born in Boston, MA, of a Bolivian and Irish American family. In 2013 at 36 weeks, Simon began his kidney journey to commence end-stage kidney treatments since birth; Simon received a kidney transplant from his father at 18 months. 
 
Together with family, Simon celebrates every transplant anniversary in Philadelphia, running up the Rocky steps on March 12th, one step at a time, one punch at a time, and one round at a time. 
 
Simon enjoys creative spaces, designing, and building happiness. He considers the beach the best place to be and loves family and friends gatherings! It is no secret that Simon epitomizes what it takes to be a vital member of this team, and his willingness to handle and overcome adversity is sure to make him an inspiration.
 
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT is the only U.S. nonprofit that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic medical diagnoses by matching them with a college athletic team. Our two-year therapeutic program complements a child's medical treatments, allowing the child to develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing.
 
Through participation in Team IMPACT's clinically informed program, children experience a true sense of belonging, resulting in increased empowerment, normalization, health promotion, and resilience. Families feel connected and supported as their child achieves individualized goals, while experiencing the joy of team camaraderie and inclusion; and student-athletes gain perspective and inspiration, as well as lessons in adversity and resilience.
 
Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. Team IMPACT has more than 1,200 teams across the country waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious illness or disability and could benefit from becoming a member of the team. To learn more, or if you know a child who may be interested, get in the game at www.teamimpact.org and @goteamimpact.