Do you want to support a young athlete from Ukraine and help him continue his passion here in Colorado?

Meet Illia Tomshyns'kyy, a highly talented 15-year-old hockey player. Before relocating to Denver, Illia was already making a significant mark on the ice in his hometown of Dnipro, Ukraine. Beginning his hockey journey at age five, he quickly rose through the ranks, winning the Ukrainian Cup in 2021, taking bronze at Europe's prestigious Riga Cup in 2022, and becoming a two-time champion of Ukraine and winner of the Carpathian League.

On January 14, 2023, a missile strike destroyed a large section of Illia's apartment building in Dnipro. Thankfully, Illia and his family survived the tragedy. Seeking safety and a chance to rebuild, Illia and his father relocated to Denver in early 2024.

Since arriving in the United States, Illia has proven that his dedication to the sport is as strong as ever. In 2025, playing for the Littleton Hawks U14 A team, he became an LHA Champion. Now, as a 9th grader at DSST High School, he has earned a spot on the primary roster for the U18 AA East High School team.

However, the costs associated with advanced youth hockey are substantial. The average cost for training, games, and tournaments for the 2026-2027 season is approximately $10,000, not including necessary equipment. For a family starting over in a new country, covering these fees is an immense hurdle.

Here is how you can contribute:

Donate directly: Click the Contribute button on this project page to contribute to Illia’s hockey fees for the upcoming season.

Share his story: Help us reach a wider audience by sharing this project on social media or with local hockey communities who might want to sponsor a rising star.

For Illia, hockey is more than just a game; it is his community, his sense of normalcy, and his life's passion. Imagine how you would feel watching him take the ice for his new high school team, knowing that your contribution helped keep a young survivor's dream alive.