Stevenson Athlete Honored for Service to Team, Community

Long Grove resident Michael Goldfine, goalie for 's junior varsity hockey team, was named BMO Harris Bank Player of the Month for October.

As part of BMO Harris Bank's sponsorship for the Chicago Blackhawks, a youth hockey player and coach are recognized each month of the regular season for their above and beyond accomplishments on and off the ice, in the classroom and in their community.

Goldfine, 17, was diagnosed with leukemia in July of 2010. Just three months after being diagnosed, he was strong enough to play against Lake Forest High School's junior varsity team, and ended up with a shutout. Even with limited time on the ice last year due to chemo treatments, he recorded a 7-0-1 record with three shutouts and a 1.49 GAA throughout the season.

Goldfine has worked with Children's Memorial Hospital to start a fund for a teen lounge at the new hospital in the Hematology/Oncology clinic, raising more than $18,800 with the help of Stevenson's hockey team and cheerleaders. He personally raised more than $1,900 for the Christopher Steel Foundation for Cancer research. The foundation was started in the memory of a Stevenson hockey and baseball player who died in 2006 from an inoperable angiosarcoma lesion.

Even after missing 42 days of school, Goldfine maintained a B average and made honor roll during both semesters.

Goldfine was recognized at the Nov. 29th Chicago Blackhawks game.

— Submitted by BMO Financial Group