Ryan, Chris and Zach McKelvie don’t yet have the brand-name recognition as some of hockey’s other familial groupings like Bobby and Brett Hull (first father-son duo inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame); Daniel and Henrik Sedin (identical twin stars for the Vancouver Canucks); or Eric, Marc, Jordan and Jared Staal (four brothers with 26 combined seasons of NHL experience).
Much like those stars, the McKelvie brothers would love to be known for their on-ice success one day, but it’s a common faith in Christ and their willingness to share about Him through FCA Hockey that’s been a game-changer for the Minnesota natives.
Zach McKelvie
Abbotsford Heat
Zach (a defenseman for the Abbotsford Heat, the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames), twin brother Chris (a left wing for the Albany Devils, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils) and older brother Ryan (head coach at Illinois’ Lake Forest College) have indeed been a blessing to teammates, coaches and opponents alike.
“So often in hockey we seek accolades and constantly worry about what people think of our performance,” said Zach, a West Point grad who spent more than two years as an Army infantry officer before signing a pro contract with the Boston Bruins in 2011. “It seems harder to find believers in hockey more than in some other sports; our faith is so counter-cultural to our sport.
“But Colossians 3:23 reminds us that everything we do must be for the Lord, and that we must do it with all our heart. I just try to work hard and trust that the way I live my life honors the Lord, and that I’m a good example of His love for us.”
For Chris, a personal relationship with Christ began during junior hockey in Bozeman, Mont., when “God opened my eyes to my need for a Savior.” In hockey, he said, every little thing besides God can become the focus, but his coach, John LaFontaine, showed Chris and his teammates what it looked like to be a godly man.
“Of course, I’ve failed miserably at times, but I’m thankful that His grace takes care of that and He still loves us the same,” Chris said. “Every day is an opportunity to know Him more and, through that, the relationship grows and strengthens.”
LaFontaine coached all three of the McKelvies in Junior A in Bozeman, and he remembers each of them fondly (not only because they were all clearly assets to the program). He encouraged a passion for Christ that sparked in each of their lives, and all three ended up becoming team captains at the Division I level.
Chris McKelvie
Albany Devils
“I could see that Rick and Vicky McKelvie gave their boys a strong foundation in faith, respect, a team-first mentality, and the drive to go the extra mile for anyone needing it—amazing character traits that all parents strive for with their kids,” he said. “Ryan, Chris and Zach were babes in their faith when they moved to Bozeman, and I believe God brought them there to develop their Bible knowledge and show them His purpose.
“It’s so exciting for me to see how God has worked throughout that whole family.”
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Ryan, three years older than his twin brothers, had his playing career abruptly cut short when a leg injury ended his senior season at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Instead of sulking, Ryan recognized a new, different opportunity in the coaching realm and is now wrapping up his third season at Lake Forest College.
“For much of my career, I selfishly looked at how I was going to move up the coaching ladder, but there were a couple of major career decisions where I felt God leading me a certain way,” he said. “As a coach, I have an in-credible opportunity to make a difference in my players’ lives. That’s not to say that we don’t want to be successful as a team, but there’s definitely a different perspective and approach to coaching when you're committed to following the Word.”
About two years ago, Ryan ran into LaFontaine at the annual American Hockey Coaches Association convention. LaFontaine was there to help FCA Hockey national director Rick Randazzo, whom he introduced to Ryan. That led to a friendship that has produced much fruit in Ryan’s life as FCA Hockey has provided him with a number of tools—including a monthly coaches Bible study—that helped him grow in his faith and become more serious about his relationship with Christ.
Ryan McKelvie
Lake Forest College
“FCA came into my life at the right time and has made a big difference in helping me stay committed to follow-ing and serving Jesus,” Ryan said. “The monthly coaches calls have been the most powerful for me. It seems like every time we have a call, I feel rejuvenated to serve others and serve the Lord.”
Ryan called it “absolutely awesome” to be able to connect with other Christian coaches in such a way, because anchoring your life around God’s Word and other committed believers helps keep the focus of coaching on serving the needs of the players.
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Chris’ introduction to FCA came at Bemidji State University, where he played all four years with the hockey team. He got involved with the Huddle and, after a couple years, became part of the leadership team.
“You realize the importance of taking leadership seriously,” he said, “when sharing the gospel.”
God gave Chris the vision to serve at hockey schools, including an FCA Hockey day clinic and a pro/college camp.
“Basically, it’s a way for us older guys to get away for the week and prepare for the season while doing fellow-ship with each other,” he said. “It’s truly amazing to see people’s lives change through sports ministry camps. For me, it began with Hockey Ministries International (HMI), and since then I've been able to be a part of FCA Hockey and the amazing things it's doing.”
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While playing hockey for Army, Zach first met Randazzo when the Naval Academy visited West Point for a game. The two connected again later that year and began a friendship that continues to this day.
There was already an FCA Huddle at West Point, but Zach admitted he had “no clue” what it was all about until Randazzo came to lead one of the Huddles. Randazzo came back several times during Zach’s time at West Point, and “he really helped build our Huddle, as well as those at many other schools.”
“Rick’s been so encouraging and has really been an example of how we as Christians can use hockey to share Christ,” Zach said. “Rick, [along with FCA Hockey's] Todd Lohstreter and Gary Steffes, really have helped me understand the purpose of FCA Hockey.”
Chris, Ryan and Zach McKelvie after a game in October 2007.
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FCA Hockey’s current approach is modeled after the Apostle Paul’s example in the early church, traveling from city to city to share the gospel and serve his fellow brothers and sisters. The ministry, now up to five full-time staff members, is already halfway through its “50 States, 50 Cities” tour that began in August 2011.
“This is a five-year mission trip for FCA Hockey,” Randazzo said. “We’ll spend 30 days in each of the 50 states to establish the four core ministries of FCA (Coaches, Camps, Campus and Community), as we work to set a strong foundation that will continue to help grow the hockey ministry after we leave for another state.”
LaFontaine has been blessed with the opportunity to walk and serve alongside Randazzo and the McKelvie brothers in ministry.
“Having Rick leading by example has helped all of us continue to grow and develop the courage to be bold,” LaFontaine said. “Rick is a great resource, counselor and friend for each of us, and he’s helping equip us for the battle that is out there.”
Randazzo said the McKelvie brothers have been great examples of how to stand strong for Christ, helping change the perception of Christians in the hockey world. Chris and Zach have had a chance to play with and against pro and college athletes and show them that you can play hard, be aggressive and be a Christian. And Ryan is making waves in the coaching world, rebuilding the Lake Forest program as a transformational coach, one who molds his players into strong leaders.
Zach McKelvie (fourth from right) joined FCA Hockey national director Rick Randazzo (second from left) at an FCA Hockey Clinic in Minneapolis in September 2013.
“Their willingness to teach and share their experiences with younger players is huge,” Randazzo said. “There are not a lot of professional hockey players and coaches willing to share their testimonies, due to the repercussions they think they’ll face.”
When you’re a follower of Christ, Chris said, your worth is not wrapped up in goals and assists.
“My identity is found in Christ,” he said. “As soon as I try to find it in something else, it all falls apart. An identity in Christ is the only thing that won't fade away. Sooner or later, I won't be playing hockey, nobody will remember how many goals I scored, and the trophies I won will rust and be thrown away.”
Then, referencing the same Colossians 3:23 verse his twin brother had mentioned earlier, he continued, “That's not to say those things aren't important to me, but we're called to work at whatever we do with all our hearts. Who I am doesn't rest on the things of this world. As hard as it is for me to understand this, when I do get it, I realize I’m at my best, I’m a selfless teammate, and I’m a more fierce and prepared competitor. “Christ sets us free to be the true person He created us to be.”
Originally Published: March 2014
Photos courtesy of the McKelvie Family and Rick Randazzo