10.21.2025

Landon Is Taking His Shot

Landon’s always been athletic—he’s done soccer and cross country, and he’s been participating in Spokane’s Hoopfest basketball tournament since he was 6 years old. But those came too easily for this young man who likes a challenge.  

“I was 10 years old when I got into hockey; I was really bad at first,” Landon laughs. “You’re supposed to start with free skates for a year, but I hopped right into an actual team.” 

Difficult Adolescent Years

The difficulty paired with the community of joining youth hockey leagues got Landon through difficult adolescent years while experiencing foster care. “I did do a lot of moving around, swapped a bunch of schools in middle school,” he recalls. “It was around covid—it was kind of horrible. It definitely separated me from everyone, from everything—but hockey.” 

When he was 12, his stepdad gave him a hockey net, and Landon remembers practicing outside for hours, regardless of the weather. “If I was stressed over school or something, I would just, like, go shoot putts in my front yard,” he says. 

“I was really fortunate with who my foster parents were,” says Landon. “My sister and I moved together to the same house. She already knew who they were, so they weren’t completely random.” 

The Treehouse Difference

Treehouse also entered the picture at this time. “I didn’t need their help as much as other people, but it’s kind of nice to have that weekly check-in at school, while you’re going through a rough time at home or you’re slipping on your grades or something,” shared Landon. 

Even after changing schools across town, Treehouse was there providing access to hockey gear and reliable support from an Education Specialist. “They talk about your life at home, your sports, your academics, all that stuff,” says Landon. “They’re pretty good at keeping up on things. When it came close to, like, a school dance or graduation, they told me how I can have my tassel and my gown reimbursed, and how I could have the dance tickets paid for.” 

Taking His Shot

Beating the odds and then some, Landon graduated high school on time this spring and is currently playing hockey at Washington State University.  

“It’s really nice being far enough away where I’m living on my own, and I’m, like, taking care of myself and having to solve problems on my own,” says Landon. “School was kind of like a getaway from home, but now in college, I’m starting to like it.” 

Landon is majoring in business and hopes to work in sales or run his own business, and he already has plenty of experience. In high school, he started a window-cleaning business that he’s been able to continue in college—with help from his new friends and teammates.  

A Reason to Push Through

“I’m really appreciative that I found hockey,” says Landon. “I think it’s not just hockey itself, but more the people associated with it. It feels like a family that I’ll have forever.” 

Although he doesn’t envision going pro, Landon intends to stay involved in the sport that supported and raised him. Hockey gave him an outlet, a community, and a reason to keep pushing through life’s obstacles. 

To other young people who may be experiencing hardship, Landon recommends two things: find a connection to get you through and find a way to appreciate your time. 

“Try to keep close with your friends—to have a way out of your family life, or to talk to someone outside of that. Anyone can help you, even one person,” he says. “My hockey career is almost over—it’s kind of sad to think about—but appreciate the people that you’ve been with and grew up with.” 

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