BOSTON, MASS. – Yesterday, September 22^nd, Head Coach Peter Belisle and UMass-Boston Men's Ice Hockey announced a new team member, signing 5-year-old Patrick Cifrino through Team IMPACT.
 
Patrick, who lives with many medical challenges, officially signed with the team today at the Clark Athletic Center on UMass Boston's campus. He will participate in many activities with the Beacons Men's Ice Hockey program; including games, practices and other team events, over the next two years.

Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
 
UMass Boston has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 14 years, matching 14 children across 6 different sports teams in that time.
 
"We are just so happy to have Patrick as a part of our team." said Coach Belisle. "In the brief time I've been able to spend with him, I've gotten just a taste of how special this kid truly is. The courage and the fight that they show every day has been an inspiration to me, and I know it will have a similar impact on our players moving forward."
 
"I'm super excited" said Men's Ice Hockey Captain Jack Mortson, "to welcome Patrick into our Beacons Hockey family. I know that he will bring a consistent smile to our locker room, and he will be a constant inspiration to the guys on the team. And I speak for all my teammates when I say we will be there to support Patrick as he continues his journey on and off the ice."
 
"We are incredibly excited about the signing of Patrick to the Men's Ice Hockey program!" said Matt Taiman, Assisnt Director of Athletics for Compliance & Engagement Programs. "Team IMPACT is a phenomenal and significant community partner for our entire athletic department. Currently, we have five active Team IMPACT teammates across five different UMB varsity teams in 2026-27. I have no doubt that Men's Ice Hockey will embrace Patrick as a member of their family, and that Patrick will also enhance the lives of all the individuals associated with that roster."
 
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win, effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 4,000 children with 750+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 75,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
 
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Patrick join the Beacons," said Amy VanRyn, Chief Program Officer at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to partner with UMass Boston, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
Media Contacts
For UMass-Boston Athletics: David Cataloni, david.cataloni@umb.edu
For Team IMPACT: Katie DePaolo, kdepaolo@teamimpact.org