New Coach in Thief River Falls Uplifts Players, Community

Everyone raves about the sparkling presence of eighth grader Oliver Sheehan.

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KVRR) – In a town like Thief River Falls – everybody knows everybody. 

So players on the Lincoln High School Prowlers hockey team were aware of and even friends with eighth grader Oliver Kezar.

But there’s a difference between having someone hang around and making them an official part of your coaching staff.

“He actually said to Oliver, if I get the coaching job, will you be part of my team?” recounts Oliver’s mom, Beth.

She’s referring to first-year coach Kyle Anderson, who knew he had something special with Oliver and was keen to have him supporting his players as much as possible.

“It was just a good fit for a great kid like Oliver to come and join our staff and be with the boys,” Anderson said.

“It just kind of completes what we’re trying to do with the program and the culture.”

Oliver jumped at the opportunity. He’s been obsessed with sports as long as anyone can recall; in large part because he’s not able to participate himself.

He has Down Syndrome,  plus long-running issues with his heart which just necessitated another medical procedure.

When team captain Spencer Anderson heard that Oliver was headed to the hospital, he says he didn’t think twice about what to do next.

“He’s been part of the team, and we treat him like anybody else,” Anderson explained, “and if anybody else had to get surgery like that, we would have treated them like family, gotten them a gift, you know.”

They sent Oliver off with a helmet signed by the team and a stuffed Big Bird.

The squad all echoes similar sentiments about what it’s like seeing Oliver when they show up to the rink, saying that he brings great energy and elevates everyone’s mood.

Luckily for them, Oliver was back at the Ralph before the Prowlers’ home opener against Detroit Lakes on Friday the 6th.