The Eric Zerlaut Jr.
"Heart of the Game"
Memorial Hockey Scholarship
Eric Zerlaut Jr.
Eric Zerlaut Jr. was a beneficiary from our 2018 event. From the start this handsome boy had a smile that could light up an arena. Needless to say he made quite an impression on all he met. Eric suffered from Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). A fighter from his first breath, Eric epitomised all that the hockey community holds dear.
Eric received his angel wings August of 2018.
In remembrance of Eric and in partnership with the Lakeshore Jr. Lumberjacks, Muskegon Guns and Hoses will award up to $1000 each year to promote and grow youth hockey in Muskegon.
For more information on HLHS go to: https://www.sistersbyheart.org/all-about-hlhs
Russ Shengulette
2023 Recipient
Russ is a recent graduate of Aquinas College where he played hockey and lacrosse. He was Academic All-Conference and All-American in both sports.
Russ works with the Lakeshore Jr. Lumberjacks Under-14 house team teaching kids about the game of hockey,
He volunteers at youth skills clinics once a week to help players hone their skills to follow their dreams.
He helps with Sunday learn to skate and Summer learn to skate to help kids fall in love with hockey and grow the game in the local community.
Russ often meets with high school players to help them with nutritional and mental health tips along with helping them understand how then can continue playing hockey after high school.
He has donated his old gear to players when they outgrow or wear out theirs but cannot afford new.
Russ is just starting out on his post college life and because he volunteers his time to these causes and pays for all his own traveling fees to coach, he was nominated by the Lakeshore Jr. Lumberjacks to receive the 2023 scholarship award.