As the NHL playoffs progress, a quiet but growing phenomenon is taking shape among professional hockey players. Dozens of athletes from across the league gather each week in a virtual discipleship circle, seeking mutual growth in Christ and encouragement in their faith.
A Vision Born in the Locker Room
Mark Rumschik, an Athletes in Action staff member with more than ten years of experience working with hockey players, noticed that the competitive culture of professional hockey was pulling several participants away from their spiritual footing. A clear sense of calling led him to envision a multiplication of discipleship that could reach every level of the sport.
The first gathering took place on October 6, when about fifty players logged onto Zoom to pray, study Scripture, and hold one another accountable. Since then, the group has expanded, with leaders meeting peers throughout the week to foster deeper community and spiritual resilience.
Equipping Players for Life Off the Ice
Designed to help athletes walk with God daily, the initiative equips participants to navigate spiritual challenges while maintaining their professional commitments. The movement, backed by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pro Athletes Outreach, and Athletes in Action, aims to spread the same discipleship model throughout the hockey world.
Participants report that the weekly rhythm not only reinforces personal devotion but also creates a network of peers who share challenges, celebrate victories, and point each other toward Christ. This organic multiplication, now evident in dozens of new groups forming across teams, reflects the group's core mission.