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Bluesky
Kasen, affectionately known as “K-K,” is a 9-year-old Level C player who has been skating with the Pittsburgh Emperors for the past two seasons. For Kasen, hockey provides something incredibly important — routine, fun, independence, and confidence.
Being part of the Emperors gives Kasen the opportunity to participate in a sport he has always loved, alongside other kids, in an environment that supports him exactly as he is.
Kasen loves the feeling of skating fast and being free. The ice gives him space to move, explore, and enjoy himself while being around other children who share the same excitement for the game.
As a teammate, Kasen is thoughtful and aware. He often does his own thing on the ice, but he remains mindful of those around him — if the puck crosses his path, he’ll pass it back to a teammate. His quiet awareness and consideration add something special to the team.
Before joining the Pittsburgh Emperors, simply entering a hockey rink was overwhelming for Kasen. He couldn’t go into the rink without soundproof headphones, and wearing a helmet felt impossible.
Over time, that changed.
Now, the helmet is the first piece of equipment he reaches for.
Through the Emperors program, Kasen has become more accepting of routine changes and more willing to try new things. Despite limitations in conversational speech, he has grown comfortable verbally expressing what he wants to do at hockey and when he wants to do it — a powerful step forward in communication and independence.
Kasen navigates sensory sensitivities along with social and communication challenges. These experiences shape how he interacts with the world, but they do not define his ability to grow, learn, or succeed.
Hockey has become a space where Kasen feels safe, supported, and understood — a place where progress happens naturally and at his own pace.
Kasen has always loved hockey. He grew up attending games and watching his brother play, but for a long time, he couldn’t participate himself.
The Pittsburgh Emperors changed that.
This program gave Kasen the opportunity to finally take part in the sport he loves. It has helped him grow in social skills, communication, and executive functioning, while the acceptance and encouragement from coaches, staff, families, and teammates have made a lasting impact on our entire family.
Kasen’s fundraising goal is $500, and donations will help support the Pittsburgh Emperors by covering:
Ice time
Uniforms
Hockey equipment
Opportunities for new players to join the program
Your support helps ensure that individuals of all abilities continue to have access to adaptive hockey and the chance to fall in love with the game.
By donating to Kasen’s campaign, you’re helping:
Keep hockey accessible and inclusive
Support adaptive equipment and ice time
Create opportunities for players like Kasen to grow with confidence
Every donation — no matter the size — helps make this program possible.
Off the ice, Kasen loves safari animals, music, and geography. He’s taught himself how to play a few songs on the piano, and if you hand him a globe and ask for any country, he can spin it and point it out within seconds.
Because inclusion, patience, and opportunity change lives 🖤💛
Samantha Simpson
John Dora
William Mckeen
Shera Stack
Uncle Willie, Aunt Hailey, Charlie McKeen
Sami Berman
Bonari Family
Megan Tomlinson
Samuel Chodosh
Cayla Komondor
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