SHELTON, Conn. - Last night, the women's ice hockey team hosted a Heart Disease Awareness night for their game against Nazareth College. 

Chaz Dileonardo Jr. was in attendance to help drop a ceremonial first puck. Chaz was born on February 11^th, 2012. He was born with only two heart chambers due to a severe congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). He endured three open heart surgeries at 3 days old, 6 months old, and 3 years old. In addition to HLHS, Chaz Jr. has suffered numerous issues with his lungs. On November 14^th, Chaz suffered a major cerebral stroke, leaving him paralyzed on the right side with brain damage.

Despite the hardships Chaz has faced, he still loves to smile, dance, and go to school. Chaz loves Mickey Mouse and his sister, Bella. Chaz continues to go through physical therapy to regain strength on his right side.

Chaz brought the crowd to their feet as he dropped the ceremonial first pick front of both team captains.

Heart disease has also hit close to home for the team. On November 14th, 2018, Coach Heath Isaacson lost his father. Loren, to heart disease at the age of 67. 

The team wore special uniforms in honor of the cause and raffled off team gear prizes to raise money for heart disease research.

On the ice, Molly Brumfield found the back of the net with an assist from Kendall Fitzgerald but the Eagles fell to the Golden Flyers by a score of 9-1.