Run for Heroes: Maddie’s Marathon fundraiser

Maddie's Story

Maddie's hockey journey began at the Depew Ice Pavilion when she was 10 years old. What started as a simple open skate alongside her brother quickly turned into a lifelong passion. After years of playing street hockey in the neighborhood, stepping onto the ice for the first time changed everything.

That first experience led her from Learn to Skate, to house hockey, to many years of travel hockey. She continued her playing career at the University at Buffalo on the women's ACHA club team, and later reached another milestone by playing with the Buffalo Beauts in 2019.

While Maddie still plays recreationally and continues to love the game, she has found a new passion in coaching the next generation of hockey players — and in running. As her journey has evolved, so has her desire to give back to young athletes who dream of following a path like the one she once traveled.

That is why she chose to run the Cleveland Marathon in honor of Hasek's Heroes.

Why She Chose Hasek's Heroes

Supporting Hasek's Heroes was a natural choice for Maddie, drawn by our mission to provide zero-cost opportunities for local youth in Western New York to participate in hockey. Her belief is simple and powerful: every kid deserves a chance to play the great game of hockey.

And She Delivered — On Every Front.

Maddie didn't just complete the Cleveland Marathon — she crushed it. Setting a goal of 4:30:00, she crossed the finish line in an incredible 4:08:38, besting her target by more than 20 minutes.

But her impact didn't stop there. Through her fundraising efforts, Maddie raised $1,000 for Hasek's Heroes — a contribution that will go directly toward giving more kids in Western New York the chance to play hockey at no cost.

In her own words after the race: "Things truly are sweeter after difficulty. Do something hard today."

We are so grateful for Maddie's dedication, her heart for this community, and her commitment to helping young players get on the ice. Thank you, Maddie — you inspire us all!