loading...
Skip to content

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.


2025-26 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 2026 Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship application, fill out the form and submit
it by the Feb. 27, 2026 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.


DOMENICK FENSORE HONORED BY TIM BRESLIN UNSUNG HERO AWARD

There’s just one area of Domenick Fensore’s game that hasn’t blossomed this season: The Wolves defenseman still doesn’t possess a great ability to praise his own actions.

“I don’t really talk about myself too much,” Fensore said. “I just come to the rink every day and work hard and hopefully it rubs off on guys around me to do the same.”

That quiet determination and work ethic has helped lead to a career season for Fensore, including being named recipient of the 2025 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 huge honor,” Fensore said. “There are a lot of great guys on our team it could have gone to so I’m super proud that the fans voted me for this.”

The 23-year-old Fensore, in his second season with the Wolves after spending four years at Boston University, shares many traits with 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.

Luckily, those who spend the most time with Fensore aren’t shy to discuss the Bronxville, N.Y. native’s many virtues—on and off the ice.

“Dom first of all exemplifies everything it means to be a good team player,” said Wolves assistant coach Spiros Anastas, who oversees the team’s defensemen. “He brings intensity, a strong work ethic and enthusiasm day in and day out in practices, games, morning skates, off-ice workouts, no matter what it is.

“When he’s able to bring it every single time he pulls people with him,” Anastas continued. “He’s a leader in those regards and he’s somebody who wants to continue to get better.”

Fensore’s fellow blue liner and roommate of two years, Ronan Seeley, says his teammate “brings a bit of everything” to the Wolves.

“He’s very charismatic and he has a lot of energy,” Seeley added. “He’s just a great teammate all around and then on the ice he’s an unreal player. He competes so hard and is such a great skater that it’s pretty obvious why he’s the unsung hero of our team. He’s a stellar human.”

Fensore, who was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round (90th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has already set career highs with seven goals, 21 assists, 28 points, 35 penalty minutes and a plus-minus rating of plus-10 in 59 games.

In addition, Fensore leads all AHL defensemen with three shorthanded goals and five shorthanded points this season.

“This year I’ve been gaining a lot of confidence,” Fensore said. “I’ve always believed in myself. I’ve been given a good opportunity here and I knew I could run with it if I focused and really concentrated on what I had to do. Hopefully, I’ll just keep it going and help this team win.”

Wolves fans determined the 2025 Breslin Award winner as they voted at ChicagoWolves.com for the three candidates nominated by the organization’s hockey management staff: Fensore, Seeley and Nikita Pavlychev.

Previous winners of the distinguished Tim Breslin Unsung Hero Award include Kyle Marino last season as well as 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).

In addition to honoring Fensore, 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 Claire Murphy, a senior at Fenwick High School who is a member of the National Honors Society, plays on the girls basketball team, is Spanish Club President and Student Council Secretary.

Claire is also involved in her community, having volunteered at the Chicago Common Food Pantry.

Knowing Murphy was awarded the scholarship means a great deal to Fensore, who has been active in the Wolves’ charitable initiatives, most notably the organization’s “Read to Succeed” program.

“Getting a scholarship is something you dream about and to help someone out in that way is a great honor, especially since it means she’s done a great job and has earned it,” Fensore said.


2024-25 Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship Recipient

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 Claire Murphy, a senior at Fenwick High School who is a member of the National Honors Society, plays on the girls basketball team, is Spanish Club President and Student Council Secretary.

Claire is also involved in her community, having volunteered at the Chicago Common Food Pantry.


Previous Unsung Hero Award Winners