The University of Michigan is riding a wave of momentum across its athletic programs, and the energy is only building.

Just days after the Wolverines captured their second national title in men’s basketball history, defeating the UConn Huskies 69–63 in a thrilling championship game Monday night, attention now shifts from the hardwood to the ice. Michigan’s hockey team is set to compete in the Frozen Four in Las Vegas this Thursday, where they will face the University of Denver, a program that has established itself as a recent powerhouse in college hockey.

As the Wolverines prepare for one of the biggest games of their season, they will not be going alone. Traveling with the team is a special source of inspiration, a young fan who has become an important part of the program’s journey.

Through Team Impact, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams, Michigan has built a lasting relationship with Connor Adcock, a devoted Wolverines supporter. Over the past several years, Connor has become a familiar and uplifting presence around the team, attending practices and forming strong bonds with players and staff.

His impact was especially felt when Michigan secured its spot in the Frozen Four, defeating Minnesota-Duluth in the quarterfinals with Connor right there in the locker room to celebrate alongside the team.

Now, as the Wolverines chase their first men’s hockey national championship since 1998, they will once again look to Connor for inspiration. His presence in the stands this week is expected to give the team an emotional lift as they take on Denver on college hockey’s biggest stage.