Tim Breslin Scholarship and Awards

In Memoriam

Tim Breslin (1967-2005), one of the first three players signed by the Wolves organization, passed away on Feb. 9, 2005, due to complications from appendiceal cancer, which is a malignancy of the appendix. The Addison native and Driscoll Catholic High School graduate played five seasons with the Wolves and was an important member of the 1998 Turner Cup Championship squad.

Read this column by the Daily Herald’s Barry Rozner: “Ten years after death of Wolves legend, a light shines through”

Learn more about Tim Breslin.

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2026-27 TIM BRESIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICAtION

The Chicago Wolves created the Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship, which provides a $7,500 stipend
toward college tuition, in loving memory of former player Tim Breslin.

To apply, download the 2027 Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship application, fill out the form and submit
it by the Feb. 27, 2027 deadline. Submissions will only be accepted by email.

Download application

Email to: [email protected]

Questions? Please contact the Chicago Wolves Community Relations Department at (847) 832-1953.

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RONAN SEELEY HONORED BY TIM BRESLIN UNSUNG HERO AWARD

There is an aura of calm and confidence that accompanies Wolves defenseman Ronan Seeley when he enters Allstate Arena each game day.

The 23-year-old’s steady influence on his teammates in the dressing room and on the ice helps make him one of the building blocks of the team.

“Everybody knows I’m going to give my all every single game,” Seeley said. “I try not to take a night off ever, especially effort-wise. That breeds confidence in the coaches and my teammates because they know what they’re going to get from me every single night. That’s what I try to pride my game on.”

That determination, work ethic and leadership has helped lead Seeley to his finest season as a professional, including being named the recipient of the 2026 Tim Breslin Unsung Hero Award. The award celebrates the Wolves player who best exemplifies the late Breslin’s on-ice spirit, team-first attitude and level of community involvement.

“It’s a great honor,” Seeley said. “I try not to take any glory for myself but it is a huge honor that I get this recognition. I don’t know if I deserve it.”

Seeley’s coaches and teammates certainly believe he deserves it.

“He does all the little things—he blocks shots, he plays hard defense, he breaks the puck out quick … I could go on and on about him,” Wolves captain Josiah Slavin said. “More important than that, he’s a good man, a good teammate and good friend.”

The Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, native, in his fourth season with the Wolves after being selected in the seventh round (No. 208 overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, shares many of the qualities held by Breslin, who passed away on Feb. 9, 2005, due to complications from appendiceal cancer.

The Addison, Ill., native and Driscoll Catholic High School graduate contributed 37 goals and 82 assists in five seasons with the Wolves and played a major role on the franchise’s first championship team in 1998.

Much like Breslin, Seeley’s all-around demeanor and all-out effort shine through game in and game out.

“(Seeley’s) the kind of guy who is good at everything,” Wolves interim head coach Spiros Anastas said. “He can provide some offense, he can be a shutdown defensive guy, he can fill in on the power play and he’s a penalty killer so just his versatility and flexibility in his game have been really beneficial for us.”

Through 59 games this season, Seeley has already recorded a career-high 10 goals—two of them game-winners—and added nine assists, all while being arguably the Wolves’ top stay-at-home defenseman.

“I try and be positive throughout the whole game and I pride my game on the little things, not just on the ice but off the ice, too,” Seeley said. “That leads to where I am today.”

Seeley’s positivity and leadership skills have earned him an “A” on his sweater, with Anastas saying, “from a leadership standpoint, you couldn’t find a better human being.

“He lives his life in a really good way and he takes care of himself and those around him,” Anastas continued. “He’s just the epitome of what Wolves hockey should be.”

That includes away from the ice where Seeley participates in a myriad of Wolves charitable initiatives in a desire to give back to those less fortunate.

Wolves fans determined the 2026 Breslin Award winner as they voted at ChicagoWolves.com for the three candidates nominated by the organization’s hockey management staff: Seeley, Nikita Pavlychev and Evan Vierling.

Previous winners of the distinguished Tim Breslin Unsung Hero Award include Domenick Fensore last season as well as Kyle Marino (2024), Cavan Fitzgerald (2023), Max Lajoie (2022), Jake Bischoff (2020), Zac Leslie (2019), T.J. Tynan (2018), Bryce Gervais (2017), Andre Benoit (2016), Brent Regner (2014, 2015), Bill Sweatt (2013), Mark Matheson (2012), Jaime Sifers (2011), Matt Anderson (2010), Steve Martins (2009), Brian Sipotz (2008), Brian Fahey (2007), Kevin Doell (2006) and Tim Wedderburn (2005).

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2025-26 Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship Recipient

In addition to honoring Seeley, the Wolves announced the winner of the Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship, given to an area high school student to help defray college tuition.

This year’s winner is Mia Dooley, a senior at St. Viator who has been a National Honor Society Member for the past two years and on the Girls JV Soccer Team four consecutive years.

In addition, Dooley is heavily involved in helping others as a volunteer at TOPSoccer, an organization that provides children with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to play soccer in a safe, supportive and fun way.

“I’m truly honored and grateful to receive the Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship,” Dooley said. “I would like to thank both the Chicago Wolves and the Breslin family for this meaningful award that carries such special significance. I plan to attend Marquette University this fall and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in college and beyond.”

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Previous Unsung Hero Award Winners