#22
Tony’s journey with inflammatory bowel disease began in his early twenties when he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Over the next decade, the disease progressively worsened despite numerous treatments, eventually forcing him to step away from both work and the sport he loved most—hockey. One of the hardest moments came when he had to leave behind the teams he captained and the hockey community that had become such a meaningful part of his life.
As his condition became more severe, Tony underwent lifesaving surgery to remove his large intestine, followed by several additional procedures to create a J-pouch. Even through the challenges of recovery, his focus never changed. At nearly every appointment, he asked the same question: “When can I play again?”
Although the surgeries brought relief and allowed him to regain much of his life, his journey continued when he later developed Crohn’s disease. For the past several years, he has continued to manage ongoing health challenges, including chronic dehydration requiring regular IV treatments. Through it all, hockey remained a source of motivation, strength, and hope.
That passion found new purpose when Tony connected with the Hockey Heals team at a DAWG Nation pond hockey tournament in Minnesota. Inspired by the support, camaraderie, and mission he witnessed, he became determined to help bring that same spirit to St. Louis. Today, helping grow the program and sharing the healing power of hockey with others has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life.