Tyler Putnam Foundation Supports Youth Hockey Dreams
Tyler Putnam’s dream was to play for his high school hockey team, junior hockey, Division I hockey and ultimately professional hockey. Tyler was able to realize two of those dreams, having played for the Irondequoit Eagles as an eighth and ninth grader and then with Maksymum Junior team here in Rochester. At the conclusion of his first Junior season, Tyler was well on his way to realizing his next dream, as he was offered roster spots on five Junior A teams from Rochester, MN to San Diego, CA.
But in July of 2011, Tyler’s hockey dreams ended tragically when he died of an illness called meningococcemia, an infection that affects the bloodstream.
Tyler was known for his high energy, incredible work ethic and desire to achieve his goals. He has been memorialized by a banner hanging above the ice at Lakeshore Hockey Arena, and now by an awards program and foundation that both bear his name. The Tyler Putnam Foundation, established in 2011, seeks to financially support young athletes who want to play league hockey, but who may have funding challenges.
In March, the 2nd annual NewEdge Hockey 2015 Tyler Putnam Awards recognized 19 hockey players from area hockey organizations, ranging in ages from 12 -18. All had one thing in common with Tyler: an uncommon dedication to the sport. Receiving trophies bearing a gold hard hat, the awards went to players who have demonstrated dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence in hockey.
New this year to the awards program, the first Josh Opladen Goaltender Award was also handed out. Joshua was known as one of those people in life that affect others in an extremely positive way. He was a promising young man, full of enthusiasm, fun, always smiling and extremely competitive and caring. Those who knew Josh as a hockey player understood his passion for the sport and his commitment to being the best he could be. Nestled in that drive was an understanding of the important things in life: faith, family, friendships and team work. He shared his passion for the sport and the position he played with young goalies, and always worked hard for his hockey team, his teammates, friends and family. Josh’s passion not only for hockey, but for life, will always be remembered, and memorialized with an annual award in his honor.
Jennifer Johnson, Anchor/Reporter for ABC’s Channel 13 was the 2015 Tyler Putnam Awards emcee. Rory Fitzpatrick, accomplished former AHL & NHL professional hockey player announced the award winners.
2015 Tyler Putnam Youth Hockey Award winners:
Luke Scorsone, Aquinas HS Hockey, Josh Hettinger, Brockport HS Hockey, Tim Ryan, Canandaigua Youth Hockey, Amanda Witscheber, Rochester Edge Girls Hockey, Nicholas Lucarelli, Greece Thunder HS Hockey, Aidan Hooper, Greece Olympia/Arcadia HS Hockey, Jake Palumbo, Hilton HS Hockey, Anthony Thurston, Irondequoit HS Hockey, Tanner Woodruff, Rochester Junior Americans Hockey, Raymond Werner, Monroe County Youth Hockey, Zac Fosdick, Perinton Youth Hockey/Rochester Monarchs, Jude Cole, Rochester Grizzlies Hockey, Patrick Carr, Rochester Youth Hockey, Tyler DeCosse, Spencerport HS Hockey, Hunter McDonald, Syracuse Nationals Hockey, Peyton Young, Tri-County Youth Hockey, Jack Donnelly, Webster Youth Hockey, Matthew Impallaria, Webster Schroeder HS Hockey, Derek Amann, Webster Thomas HS Hockey.
2015 Josh Opladen Goaltender Award winner:
Jake Bellavia, Greece Thunder HS Hockey.
Provided Information and Photo
