Worcester State Athletics Announces Creation of the Evan Armit 11 Fund

WORCESTER, Mass. — Worcester State University and the Worcester State Athletics Department are honored to announce, in partnership with Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, the creation of the Evan Armit "11 Fund."  This fund will be a permanent endowment established at Worcester State University to honor the legacy of student-athlete Evan Armit, who passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 23 following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. 

Evan's teammates proposed the creation and the name of this fund as a tribute to Evan's jersey number #11, with the team setting an $11,000 fundraising goal. Designed to support the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey program in perpetuity, the fund will provide critical financial resources to enhance the student-athlete experience for the men's hockey team, including equipment, meals, and other operational expenses.

"We are happy to be able to continue Evan's legacy at our university in perpetuity with the establishment of this fund in his honor," expressed Worcester State Athletic Director Michael Mudd.  "I would especially like to thank Worcester State alumnus Ted Hebert '74, the owner of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, for his lead matching gift to establish the fund as well as the Worcester State Railers Foundation for their continued support."

The Evan Armit "11 Fund" launches with significant community support from Teddy Bear Pools & Spas' (Chicopee, MA) owner Ted Hebert, who has stepped forward as the lead honoring sponsor, pledging to match all donations up to the first $5,000. Additionally, the Worcester Railers Foundation will be contributing $1,000 to the initial creation of the fund.

"I have great memories of my time as a student at Worcester State and I support the sport of ice hockey in many ways," stated Ted Hebert.  "It was brought to my attention the incredible impact that Evan Armit had on his teammates and what a void was left in the Worcester State community when we lost him to such a dreadful disease.  I am proud to spearhead this important initiative so that Evan will always remain in our memories.  I look forward to meeting Evan's parents and teammates on February 7th."

To commemorate Evan and raise awareness, the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey team will wear an Evan Armit tribute jersey during its home game on Saturday, February 7, at 6:00 p.m. against Fitchburg State. These specialized game-worn jerseys are being sold for $150, with all proceeds benefiting the Evan Armit "11 Fund". Jersey purchases are available NOW for pre-order here.

"Evan was a great teammate with the biggest heart and the best spirit" remembers senior captain Shane Prifrel. "He truly cared about everyone else more than himself, and represented what it means to wear the Worcester State Lancer jersey."

In conjunction with the game, Worcester State University will host a reception at Bay State Brewing, located within the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, from 5:00–9:00 p.m., welcoming fans, alumni, family, and friends to gather in remembrance and support. A link to register for the event can be found on the Worcester State Alumni site, or you can click here to register now. 

Further fundraising efforts will continue throughout the week as all proceeds from the game entry tickets, alongside all donations made to the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey during WooGives, taking place February 9–10, will also benefit the fund. To donate to the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey WooGives campaign, please visit WooGives 2026.

"The 11 Fund is such a fitting tribute for a wonderful young man who left this world far too soon. Evan is missed everyday by his teammates, coaches and staff. Although, sadly, Evan's time at Worcester State was short, the contributions he made to the hockey program and the impression he made on the Worcester State community still live on" reflects Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Bob Deraney. "It is a testament to the young man he was and the way he impacted anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Especially lucky, are the people who call him a teammate or friend. There is no better way to symbolize Evan's legacy than by creating the 11 Fund which will represent and perpetuate Evan's pride for Worcester State Hockey and love for his teammates. God Bless you Evan, we miss you!"

For updates on jersey auction details, event information, and ways to contribute, please visit wsulancers.com and alumni.worcester.edu.