From the North Shore of Chicago to the sunny beaches of California, Jim Keller’s enjoyment in hockey is unwavering.
Keller’s family and Midwest roots shaped his passion for hockey at a young age. He remembers sitting on laps, cheering on his hometown Chicago Blackhawks, and lugging his hockey bag to and from practice through the snow.
Though he played his last hockey game at 13 years old, Keller can’t help but stay close to the ice. He’s still very much involved with the sport through his 13-year-old son. The two bond over the game — cheering for their favorite teams and taking in the vibrant hockey atmosphere in Manhattan Beach, Calif., where Keller and his family now reside.
For Keller, the chance to share that sentiment with his son created a special bond between them. He hopes that his role as a USA Hockey donor will lead others to pursue an interest in the sport. Keller is currently a Trustee, USA Hockey Foundation’s highest level of giving – committing to donating $15,000 annually for three years.
“It’s just about giving kids an opportunity to find something they love,” Keller said. “That says it all for me. If you can just get a handful of kids who try the game and end up falling in love with it, I think that’s a wonderful thing. They don’t need to go to the pros — they don’t even ever need to score a goal — but if they enjoy it, that’s all that matters.”
Keller and other USA Hockey fans and supporters were able to enjoy the game with some of the sport’s best this month. Thanks to USA Hockey Foundation’s Hospitality Program, Keller joined a group of donors that went to Toronto, Canada to cheer on Team USA at the 2016 World Cup.
Keller’s decision to support USA Hockey was fueled by gratitude toward the sport. Work brought him to California, but he’s still a Blackhawks fan at heart and follows his team to games whenever they play near the coast. But he also can’t help but root for his local Los Angeles Kings. When he isn’t watching hockey, Keller enjoys hiking, golfing, skiing and staying active outdoors.
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