The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation-STL surprised Dima Golovko with a $3,500 check before the MVCHA All-Star game at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex on March 4. With the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Dima’s family has faced many challenges, and the DAWG family has been ready to help in any way they can. A follow-up check for $5,000 was given a few months later to help his mom return safely. As of 2025, Dima participates in various hockey-related events with the DAWG team, offering support to others going through tough times.
ONE FAMILY AT A TIME
Sadly, many people remain stuck in Ukraine, but with your support, we can cover the travel expenses and short-term emergency needs of this family by helping Dima assist his loved ones. While so much is happening that’s beyond our control and leaves us feeling horrified and helpless, we do have the power to help Dima.
A UKRAINIAN FAMILY IN CRISIS
Dima’s dad and grandparents are still in Ukraine, which is currently under attack after Russia declared war. His father can’t leave because men aged 18-60 are restricted from doing so under Martial Law. His mother managed to escape, taking a five-hour ride to Poland, then walking nine hours from Lviv to the border, followed by a seven-hour wait to cross. Once in Poland, she was picked up by his brother’s friends and driven three hours to Krakow. There, her credit card didn’t work, but a kind stranger paid for her hotel stay. After nine hours at the hotel, she boarded a ten-hour flight to Chicago.
DIMA’S MOM REUNITED WITH SONS
Dima and his brother picked her up in Chicago at 7:45 p.m. on February 28, and they arrived back in Lebanon, IL at 2:00 a.m. on March 1. It was a harrowing journey for Dima’s mother. Right now, his parents can’t work, and along with the travel costs, this has created an unexpected financial strain on the family. His dad is currently in his family home in Ukraine, hiding in the basement, while his grandparents are doing the same in their own house. His other grandmother is bedridden and being cared for by a nurse.
HOCKEY BRINGS A NATIVE OF UKRAINE TO THE US
Dmytro (Dima) Golovko, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, began playing hockey at age 10 for the local club “HK Kryzhynka.” He was later drafted as the top player for the special National Ukrainian Hockey Team. In 2014, he moved to the US to join the Hollydell Hurricanes, a AA club team in New Jersey, while attending Gloucester Catholic High School, where he played on both the JV and Varsity teams.
MOST SEASONS PLAYED IN THE ACHA
After the season ended, he moved to Washington State to play for Compete Hockey Academy at the AAA/Prep level. In 2015, Dima was invited to join the USPHL U-18 Premier in Massachusetts with the Islanders Hockey Club. In 2016, he began playing for the McKendree University D2 Hockey team, wrapping up his final game just two weeks after senior night. Over six years with McKendree, Dima set the record for the most seasons ever played in ACHA.
FROM PLAYING TO COACHING
Dima coaches many kids from the local hockey club, the Southern Illinois Icehawks. He’s also involved in several programs like learn to skate, learn to play, power skating, and hockey skills. On top of that, he’s the assistant coach for the O’Fallon Varsity High School team. As if that’s not enough, he manages MVCHA at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex and runs both the Grumpy Old Man League and the Mid-America Hockey League there. School is still a top priority for him, and he’s set to finish his MBA in Corporate Finance this May.
Dima is shown on the far left.