BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont women's hockey team has announced that seven-year-old Shelburne, Vt. native Kayla Kruk is now an official member of the team. Kruk joins the Catamounts through Team IMPACT.
 
RELATED LINKS
Draft Day Photo Gallery
CatamounTV Video
Team IMPACT Website

Kayla celebrated her draft day with the Catamounts Saturday night in a ceremony facilitated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
 
Kayla suffers from neuromuscular issues while also living with autism.  Kayla loves to watch and play hockey but her neuromuscular issues prevent her from skating.
 
She has been coming to Vermont games over the last three seasons with a set routine. She watches warmups, gives high-fives to the players and referees, hopes to ride the Zamboni and collects pucks.
 
"It is really a privilege for us to welcome Kayla to the UVM Women's Hockey family," said head coach Jim Plumer. "I fully expect that not only will we impact Kayla and her family, but they will be an inspiration to all of us, as well."
 
The Catamounts have team advocates Casey Leveillee and Bella Webster working primarily with Kayla and the Kruk family.
 
Through this partnership Webster has become aware of the profound impact Kayla and the team can have on each other, "We learned that life is more than hockey. There is so much to offer and we are fortunate to be apart of something bigger than ourselves. Being with Kayla and spending time with her shows that the little things we take for granted can mean the world to someone else. Kayla has 21 sisters who will always be there for her."

Leveillee touched on how rewarding the growing relationship with Kayla has been, "Drafting Kayla onto our team through Team IMPACT has been an incredible experience. Kayla fills the locker room with inspiration and good cheer, just as she always has from the stands. Having her become an official member of the team has been a constant reminder of our purpose as a program, our responsibility as a team, and our love of hockey in general. We are so thankful to have her."
 
Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 700 children with collegiate teams at over 300 institutions in 43 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of
courageous children and touching the lives of over 20,000 student athletes.

The 2015-16 Vermont women's hockey campaign is brought to you by the Windjammer Restaurant and Inn.