FISHERS, Ind. – A Fishers teen with a rare genetic disorder and a love for hockey became an honorary Indy Fuel member on Thursday – complete with a pro contract.
Nate Kolesar, 14, played hockey until two years ago when he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue.
Doctors told Kolesar - who had dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player - that he could no longer play contact sports.
“Just for a while, I was sad about it. Hockey was everything to me,” said Kolesar. “But then I started realizing that there’s so many other ways to get involved. “
Knowing how much he loved the sport his parents and Indy Fuel teamed up to make that dream come true.
“I had no idea what was going on,” said Kolesar. “I got a note from school saying I had to leave for a doctor’s appointment.”
That doctor’s appointment turned out to be the chance of a lifetime.
Nate got to practice with the Indy Fuel team, tour their locker rooms and spend time with the players.
“It was amazing going out there at practice with all the guys,” said Kolesar.
The team’s manager then offered Nate a weekend contract, making him an honorary member of Indy Fuel.
He’ll lead the team onto the ice Friday night.
The money Kolesar will make from his honorary contract will be donated to the Community Health Network.
Nate said he now hopes to become a hockey coach someday.
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