Sam Gonzalez

Born and raised in what is often referred to in church culture as the “Frozen Chosen” aka New England, it's only fitting God would call a hockey player to reach it! Growing up in the church, seeds were certainly planted. But, I’ll admit I was a typical church kid going through the motions. I knew God was real; but hockey was my life and where identity, worth, and purpose were found. I was fortunate enough to play competitively from a young age and experienced many mountain tops. My talent had me on track to play in college, until… I got injured. After 16 years of playing, one fluke play was all it took to end my career. I was lost and broken. Searching for identity, worth, and purpose in the things of this world. It was in this place where the Lord found me, and all the childhood seeds began to bear fruit. I surrendered my life to Jesus, accepting him as Lord and Savior. And from that moment everything changed. God put ministry on my heart, and I followed his leading. Over the last 10 years, I have been blessed to lead the youth ministry at my church and preach to both teens and adults regularly. 3 years ago, my two worlds collided when I became the Chaplain for the professional team in the same city where my career ended. Since then I have started two more chapels with professional teams, and have built lifelong friendships with players regardless of where their careers take them. My mission is to assist generations of hockey players find their identity and salvation in Jesus, by thawing their hearts with the Gospel!