Beyond the Game: The Story of TPH Academy’s Brayden “Super B”
Samuel Ersson and Brayden
At just 11 years old, Brayden “Super B” Baldwin has already fought—and won—battles most people will never face in a lifetime. A two-time cancer survivor and goalie for Team Philadelphia 12U A Orange, Brayden has been fighting cancer since he was three years old. Through every surgery, procedure, and round of treatment, one thing grounded him, lifted him, and reminded him he was still a kid: hockey. Now a student-athlete at TPH Academy Philadelphia, Brayden has become a symbol of perseverance, positivity, and pure love for the game. And this season, the hockey world took notice.
Brayden’s nickname, “Super B,” was born from his favorite superhero, Superman—but the name quickly became much more than a nod to a cape and a logo. It is now a reflection of who he is. Even during treatment cycles, Brayden insisted on being at the rink. Hockey became his escape, his source of joy, and a piece of normal life in the middle of hospital stays and uncertainty. In other words, hockey was his normalcy. He consistently showed up smiling, determined, and ready to play.
This November, Brayden’s story reached the Philadelphia Flyers, who invited him to participate in their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on November 20, 2025. As part of the experience, he was paired with Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson—and the connection turned into something unforgettable. Brayden was given full creative freedom to design a custom helmet for Ersson to wear during warmups, and the mask could not have been more Philly, donning iconic regional staples like The Liberty Bell, the Rocky statue, cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, Flyers mascot Gritty, and of course, “Super B”.
Samuel Ersson’s Mask Designed by Brayden
TPH Philadelphia staff members were in the stands, cheering Brayden on during a moment that meant more than he even knew. There was one more surprise still waiting. That night, Brayden learned that he would also stand on the blue line with the Flyers players before the game.
Photo by Michael Reaves
Behind the highlight moments, Brayden continues to battle quietly, day by day. Recently, he underwent three procedures to confirm his cancer remains at bay—news his family is still absorbing with relief and gratitude. “He’s a fighter.” TPH Academy Philadelphia Director Rebecca Lindeman says simply. His academic journey is part of that fight as well. Years of treatment meant lost classroom time and lingering challenges. At TPH Academy, he has made remarkable progress through mentor-based learning and individualized support.
“It’s amazing with all that he has endured throughout his young life…that he shows up every day focused on his goal: to be an NHL goalie.” Lindeman shared. “And the fact that he is cancer free—and just found that out last week—is unbelievable.” His dedication earned him Student of the Week at TPH Philadelphia—an honor recognizing performance, but for Brayden, representing extraordinary perseverance.
In the last month alone, Brayden has lived moments most young athletes only dream about: designing an NHL goalie mask, being honored by a professional franchise, and standing proudly on the blue line at Xfinity Mobile Arena. But even those milestones pale in comparison to the way he shows up every day— with grit, with a smile, and with a heart bigger than any challenge he has ever faced.
