Never Giving Up on the Game He Loves: Nolan’s Story

From the very beginning, Nolan has been a fighter.

Born with a heart condition and severe asthma, his earliest years were spent in and out of hospitals, battling pneumonia and illness with a fragile immune system. But even in those difficult moments, there was one constant that brought him comfort and calm: hockey.

One of Nolan’s first memories with the game came when he was still a baby. While hospitalized with pneumonia and understandably upset, his dad turned on a hockey game. Almost instantly, Nolan stopped crying and stared quietly at the screen, completely captivated. It was the first sign that hockey had already found a place in his heart.

As he grew, that love only deepened.

A Game That Brought the Family Together

Hockey quickly became woven into the fabric of Nolan’s family life. With a dad who played when he was younger and still skates in men’s leagues, the sport was already part of their routine. Family nights often meant watching everything from Jr. C and the OHL to the NHL, along with countless hours spent at local arenas cheering on friends’ kids and their hometown Jr. C team, the Navy Vets.

“Even when he was little, Nolan could sit and watch anyone play,” Tarnya, Nolan's mother, says. “It didn’t matter if it was kids’ hockey, junior, or a pro game — he was completely locked in. Hockey wasn’t just a sport in our house; it was something that brought us together.”

Because of his health, Nolan wasn’t able to start organized hockey until he was eight years old. When that moment finally arrived, it felt like a dream come true.

“He was absolutely over the moon,” Tarnya recalls. “He couldn’t stop talking about it — he was counting down the days.”

One of the most meaningful moments came when it was time to buy his equipment.

“He was so excited, trying everything on, making sure it all felt just right. You could see how proud he was, like he had been waiting his whole life for that moment.”

Facing Early Health Challenges Head-On

Nolan’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. He was born with pneumonia and spent the first weeks of his life at Children’s Hospital. Before the age of three, he had pneumonia seven different times, eventually leading to a diagnosis of asthma.

Later, following a severe asthma attack, Nolan was diagnosed with Prolonged QTC, a heart condition that affects how the heart resets between beats. He has also been diagnosed with a deteriorated thoracic aorta, a condition that requires close monitoring.

“There was a moment during a severe asthma attack when his heart was pounding so hard we could actually see it through his chest,” Tarnya explains. “That moment led to the testing that finally gave us answers.”

With medication, careful monitoring, and open communication with his coaches and teachers, Nolan is able to live a fairly normal life — including playing the game he loves.

“In terms of hockey, he’s still able to play, but we’re always mindful of how hard he’s pushing himself. We make sure he listens to his body, stays on top of his treatments, and takes breaks when he needs them.”

Despite the uncertainty, hockey became Nolan’s emotional anchor.

“His love for the game brings him so much joy that just being on the ice can completely brighten his mood. It’s also helped him grow into a more confident child.”

An Injury That Tested His Heart

Last season, Nolan played both house league and select hockey — until a devastating injury changed everything. During a practice, he was knocked off balance and fell hard, breaking his ankle in three places at the growth plate.

“He was absolutely devastated,” Tarnya says. “Missing his house league tournament — especially knowing his team went on to win silver — was incredibly tough for him.”

Yet even sidelined, Nolan refused to step away.

“His love for the game and his teammates made it an easy decision. Even though he couldn’t play, he wanted to be there to cheer everyone on and still be part of every moment.”

Cast and all, Nolan attended every game, practice, and tournament. His teammates made sure he never felt left out — signing his cast, pushing him around the rink in his wheelchair, and even bringing him onto the ice with them when they won silver.

“They lifted his spirits in a way no one else could,” Tarnya says. “That support made a huge difference in his recovery.”

The Road Back

Once the cast came off, Nolan approached rehab with the same determination he brings to the game

“We started slowly with basic strengthening exercises and then moved into on-ice rehab,” Tarnya explains. “It was all about patience and progression — and he worked incredibly hard through each stage.”

His motivation never wavered.

“He kept his goal front and center — he wanted to be back on the ice this year. He knew what he needed to do, and he committed to every part of the process.”

The moment Nolan stepped back onto the ice was emotional for everyone. Today, Nolan is back playing hockey — stronger, more determined, and more grateful than ever.

“Continuing to play hockey means everything to him,” Tarnya says. “It’s not just a sport — it’s his passion, his happy place, and the thing that kept him pushing forward.” “When he was younger, he was incredibly shy. Being part of a team helped him come out of his shell. Now he’s a total social butterfly.”

Through it all, Nolan has learned just how strong he truly is.

“He’s realized that he can handle tough moments, stay focused on his goals, and come out even stronger on the other side.”

For Tarnya, the message is simple — and powerful.

“I hope other young athletes and families see that setbacks don’t have to define your story. With patience, support, and determination, you can work your way back to the things you love.”

And if there’s one moment that best represents who Nolan is, it isn’t a goal or a medal.

“It was the day he skated off the ice after a tough game — frustrated, but determined to come back better. He went home, practiced harder, and showed up the next game with a whole new level of effort.”

It’s that resilience, heart, and unwavering love for the game that defines Nolan — and reminds us all what hockey is truly about.

Want to Share Your Story & Win Prizes?

At the OHF, we believe hockey is about far more than wins and losses. It’s about perseverance through adversity, the support of teammates and families, and the moments that remind us why this game matters so deeply.

Stories like Nolan’s show the true heart of hockey — a love for the game that begins early, endures challenges, and is strengthened by community. Whether it’s a young player overcoming obstacles, a team rallying around one of their own, or a family finding joy and belonging at the rink, these experiences are what shape hockey in Ontario.

Submit your story by reaching out to us at: zdeforest@ohf.on.ca