Every summer, the Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp transforms the ice at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida, into a vibrant classroom where the love of hockey meets the practical realities of living with Type 1 diabetes, welcoming more than 110 children between the ages of 7 and 17.
The camp was founded in 2022 by Henry Hoffmann and his parents, Meagan and Geoff Hoffmann, after Henry’s own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes as a child, turning a personal challenge into a community‑focused initiative.
Volunteers from the Florida Everblades and NHL players Gavin Brindley and Luke Kunin, who also manage Type 1 diabetes, join the Hoffmann family to lead on‑ice drills and share their own strategies for balancing sport with health management.
Campers are organized into age‑specific groups named after professional hockey players who live with diabetes — such as Bobby Clark, Max Domi and Luke Kunin — creating a sense of identity and inspiration on the rink.
The program blends rigorous hockey training with off‑ice educational sessions, including talks on the latest diabetes technology, interactive carb‑counting games, and a Jeopardy‑style quiz that turns medical knowledge into a fun, collaborative activity.
A Community Built on Shared Experience
The camp culminates in a backyard barbecue with pool entertainment, offering a relaxed, non‑competitive setting where campers can socialize, build friendships, and celebrate their shared experiences beyond the sport.
Beyond the rink, the camp’s mission is to help children with Type 1 diabetes feel included in sports and everyday life, fostering a supportive network that extends to families and caregivers.
Since its inception, the Hoffmann family’s vision has driven steady growth, and Henry Hoffmann, now aged out of the camper cohort, serves as a counselor and hopes to one day lead the camp’s operations, ensuring the program’s legacy continues.