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Not all team members have adjusted well to the high expectations in class. Foley gives numerous chances and initially only suspends those who break the rules. A player who continually skips school, has low grades, or violates team rules must leave the program.

Success stories far outweigh the failures. Several DinoMights have graduated and gone on to play for both private and public high schools in Minneapolis. Their testimonies reflect an appreciation for the opportunity to play hockey, but their greatest praise is for how the experience introduces them to Christ.

"Now I could [not] care less what other people think of me and would pray in front of anyone," says high school sophomore Jordan Baynard, whose five seasons with the DinoMights helped ground him in his faith and instilled pride to play on a Christian team.

Kayavin Unger, who now also plays on a high school team, adds that the DinoMights taught him "a lot of important things like responsibility, taking control of my actions, and being a leader. It has taught me more about God, and how to be a man."

In annual year-end evaluations, 80 percent of team members indicate that the most important aspect of the DinoMights experience is spiritual growth, Foley says.

"I know that the Holy Spirit is at work when I see how much they desire a relationship with a living God," he says. "After the thrill of championships, all-star selections, and tournament road trips, the great majority of the kids still respond that the best thing about being a DinoMight is developing a closer relationship with God."

Foley, the only full-time member of the DinoMights staff, also runs a learn-to-skate program with 80 first-graders from a local school. Some money for the expensive indoor ice and equipment comes from a $10,000 grant that the NHL awarded the DinoMights to develop hockey in the inner city. The DinoMights were one of 13 international programs to receive the prestigious grants.

Grant monies help offset the considerable expenses of operating four teams. Foley spends much of his time raising funds, and most of the DinoMights are fully or partially funded by the $83,000 annual team budget.

Though a DinoMight might not participate in the Olympics or the NHL, every player will remember early-morning prayer huddles and the challenge to live a life honoring to Christ, Foley says.

Speaking at the team's annual fall banquet, one player summed up the DinoMights' ministry: "John and the DinoMights keep pushing us to stand up for what we believe in, act like Christians, and start praising God."

Stephen T. Hunt is a freelance writer based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Photography by George Byron Griffiths

Visit the DinoMights' homepage to learn more about "Hockey in the Hood."

Read a story from The Minnesota Star Tribune about the team.

Learn about other diversity task force hockey programs at this NHL site.

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November 13 2000, Vol. 44, No. 13