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After experiencing his own personal loss, Keegan Kolesar wanted to be there for others.
He anticipated that his involvement with Adam’s Place would fly under the radar – but it has been quite the opposite.
When the Vegas Golden Knights forward teamed up with the Las Vegas nonprofit that provides support for children, teens and families experiencing grief and loss, he simply wanted to help others who are navigating a difficult situation. He never entertained the thought that it would make the rounds on social media or garner attention in hockey circles.
“I have received a lot of texts from people who I haven’t talked to in a long time, people who are close to me who didn’t know about this – they just sent some kind words about it.
“I am not a guy who looks to put himself out there, so I was happy and shocked that the NHLPA found out about this,” said the 27-year-old Kolesar, whose work with Adam’s Place was originally profiled via Instagram by NHL Public Relations.
“Now that it is out there, I can bring more awareness and maybe kids will see this and open up about their loss.”
Kolesar knows exactly what the kids at Adam’s Place are going through.
In 2020, he lost his father, Charles Peterson, a professional baseball scout and volunteer high school football coach, to COVID-19.
“I remember when my father passed, I became even closer to my family. We had each other and we had sports.
“For me, my brother, my sister and my mother, we always had sports to turn to – not to take our minds off things – as a safe space, so to speak. Our dad took a great amount of pride in what we did and loved watching us play sports.”
Over time, Kolesar started to think of ways he could help others with their own grief around a loss.
He approached members of the Golden Knights organization and asked for a helping hand.
“I am very fortunate to have the support from my team. I reached out to [Vegas Golden Knights Foundation President] Kim Frank and asked if she could source an organization that helps kids who have lost someone and are in need of support.”
Frank mentioned Adam’s Place.
It didn’t take long for Kolesar to realize it could be a perfect fit.
He was touched by what he read when he visited the organization’s website.
“They are tremendous and do a wonderful job. They want to make an impact and change for these kids.”
A grief centre for children, families and adults, Adam’s Place, which opened its doors in Southern Nevada in 2010, was established in memory of Adam Gregory Thomas – a 21-year-old college senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, who sustained life-ending injuries from a car crash in March of 2007. He left behind his father, mother and younger brother.
Services offered at Adam’s Place include grief peer support groups for children and teens and their caregivers through Camp Cope Programs, along with grief support services and an adult support group.
“In general, grief is not an easy topic for society to talk about,” said Jacquie MacLeod, a certified child loss specialist and chief program officer with Adam’s Place.
In Kolesar, they have found an ideal role model to speak on the subject.
“Because children grieve differently than adults, oftentimes their grief is overlooked or misunderstood.
“Having someone like Keegan take the time and the interest to shine a spotlight on children’s grief awareness is invaluable.”
Kolesar, drafted 69th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015, has established a ball hockey clinic in concert with Adam’s Place. He also provides tickets to families for Vegas home games.
“For me, personally, hockey has always been a way to focus my thoughts on just that, but also to have fun. I felt this was a good opportunity to help kids who are dealing with grief and loss. I also think this is a great way to grow our game and maybe introduce hockey to kids who might not have much familiarity with it.
“Sport is a very connective thing, a chance for kids to bond and learn how important and rewarding teamwork is. It can also be something that can take you out of grief, even if it’s for a few hours, to find a glimmer of hope, something to look forward to.”
MacLeod has seen the positive impact Kolesar is having on the kids.
“Keegan has shared his personal experience with grief, following the loss of his father. His empathy and understanding of how difficult the loss of a loved one can be, makes him an invaluable partner for our organization.
“Our families are so grateful for Keegan’s involvement with Adam’s Place and have expressed much appreciation throughout our partnership.
“We are looking forward to Keegan’s continued support as well as some upcoming opportunities to connect with Keegan, such as the opportunity for our families to attend a team practice at City National.”
For Kolesar, the experience has been incredibly meaningful.
“It’s something personal, something close to the chest.
“All I am trying to do is spend some time with these kids and show them that there is someone who has gone through this and there are people outside of their family and friends who care.”
After every Golden Knights home game, Kolesar receives a text from Adam’s Place.
The messages are accompanied by a photo or two of a family who attended the game courtesy of the forward.
“It’s amazing. I try to get as much feedback as I can, to see how the experience at the game was, to find out if they enjoyed it and had fun.
“It is awesome to see the smile on their faces.”
Said MacLeod, “Attending hockey games together promotes positive family interactions and helps them to create new, meaningful memories together.”
Beyond the interactions he has with the kids through Adam’s Place, Kolesar is hopeful he can open a few eyes to hockey and what it offers.
He remembers how much the game meant to his father.
“Hopefully, this is a way to bring families together and share with them the great sport that I have given my life to and bring them close together like it did with my family.”
Kolesar’s biggest hope is that he can help make a difference, be it big or small, in the lives of those he feels a connection to.
“I want to be able to look back and hope that I was a positive role model, someone who tried to make an impact on kids who are in a similar situation as me.”
