WORCESTER, Mass. (October 22, 2025) – Last Friday, Assumption University men's ice hockey head coach, Michael Looney, announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Talon Stewart through Team IMPACT. 
 
Talon, who is battling Mitochondrial Disorder, Epilepsy, Hypotonia, and CVI, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Friday, March 14th, on the campus of Assumption University. He will participate in various team activities, including games, practices, and other events. 
 
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 fosters a symbiotic relationship between teams and children, focusing on socialization, empowerment, and resilience. 
 
Assumption University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 14 years, matching 19 children across its baseball, football, women's lacrosse, men's basketball, men's lacrosse, men's soccer, and softball.  
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Talon to our Men's Ice Hockey team through Team Impact," stated Looney. "Talon's resilience and positive attitude are qualities we can all learn from. Team Impact is a fantastic organization, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative while getting to know Talon and his family." 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 fosters a symbiotic relationship between teams and children, focusing on socialization, empowerment, and resilience. This ensures everyone involved has a personalized game plan to win, effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 3,000 children with 700+ 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. 
 
Media Contacts
For Assumption University, Kenneth Swain, kc.swain@assumption.edu  
For Team IMPACT: Kristen Desrosier, kdesrosiers@teamimpact.org