Miami Ohio University Athletics
Team IMPACT brought Miami Hockey's Blake Mesenburg (left) and Liam Jergenson together
Mesenburg Named Team IMPACT Teammate of the Year Finalist
2/23/2026 10:29:00 AM | Hockey
Team IMPACT announced its five finalists for the 2026 Teammate of the Year award last week, and Blake Mesenburg of Miami Hockey is among the honorees. Mesenburg, a senior forward from Orono, Minn., has been at the forefront of the RedHawks' partnership with Team IMPACT over the past two seasons as Miami has welcomed area teenager Liam Jergenson as an honorary member of The Brotherhood.
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Jergenson, a native of nearby Liberty Township, Ohio, was diagnosed at the age of five with KIF1A, a progressive neurodegenerative disease which can hinder mobility and cause mental and developmental delays. He is one of approximately 500 people worldwide with this condition, and is the only person in the world with his specific variant.
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Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.
While each member of the Miami team has developed a unique and special relationship with Jergenson over the past two years, Mesenburg has developed a particularly close bond with his young friend. He is the one who is first to greet Liam when he visits Steve "Coach" Cady Arena. He organizes game nights for Liam to spend time with the RedHawks. He planned a surprise birthday party this season. He's given Liam's sport of sled hockey a try. And the list could go on. From conversations rinkside to 'knuckles' greetings through the glass, Blake has been the kind of friend most people could only dream of, and Liam, his family, and the entire Miami University community have benefited from his example.
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Fans can vote for their favorite finalist for the Teammate of the Year award on the Team IMPACT website from now through March 8. Check out the video below for more on Blake and Liam's story.
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From TeamIMPACT.org:
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"Blake makes Liam feel seen, loved, and a part of the team. He supports Liam in his medical journey, he cheers Liam on when he's doing other events in his life, and he takes the time to truly see how Liam is feeling about things. He makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together. Not because he has to, but because he wants to. From a parent standpoint, you want your children have friends like Blake. Selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake is more like family to Liam. Through this journey with Blake, Liam has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life, and Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend. The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it."
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Jergenson, a native of nearby Liberty Township, Ohio, was diagnosed at the age of five with KIF1A, a progressive neurodegenerative disease which can hinder mobility and cause mental and developmental delays. He is one of approximately 500 people worldwide with this condition, and is the only person in the world with his specific variant.
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Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.
While each member of the Miami team has developed a unique and special relationship with Jergenson over the past two years, Mesenburg has developed a particularly close bond with his young friend. He is the one who is first to greet Liam when he visits Steve "Coach" Cady Arena. He organizes game nights for Liam to spend time with the RedHawks. He planned a surprise birthday party this season. He's given Liam's sport of sled hockey a try. And the list could go on. From conversations rinkside to 'knuckles' greetings through the glass, Blake has been the kind of friend most people could only dream of, and Liam, his family, and the entire Miami University community have benefited from his example.
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Fans can vote for their favorite finalist for the Teammate of the Year award on the Team IMPACT website from now through March 8. Check out the video below for more on Blake and Liam's story.
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From TeamIMPACT.org:
Â
"Blake makes Liam feel seen, loved, and a part of the team. He supports Liam in his medical journey, he cheers Liam on when he's doing other events in his life, and he takes the time to truly see how Liam is feeling about things. He makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together. Not because he has to, but because he wants to. From a parent standpoint, you want your children have friends like Blake. Selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake is more like family to Liam. Through this journey with Blake, Liam has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life, and Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend. The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it."
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Players Mentioned
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