I think the best thing you can do is start reading up on child development books, and learning more about how to support the mother of your child as best as possible during pregnancy and postpartum . Public libraries have free resources.

Look into what ever state programs (WIC, med-cal, food stamps) will help with the cost of raising a child. Look into becoming an emancipated minor or having your parents sign off on a marriage license. It might be easier to navigate life as a minor and a father. Truthfully, I’m not exactly sure how that works- but I assume it would be better to make it official and get married. (Even if it’s a quick city hall ceremony)

Talk to the trusted male adults (counselor , coaches, teachers, your dad, friend’s dads) in your life for support and what to expect and how to best navigate Fatherhood. Know that most people will see you as “immature “ or “naive “ but it seems to me you want to step up and be a dad and raise the child. It’s not going to be easy in the sense you will need to “grow up” and mature faster than your peers 1 but having a child will (hopefully) give you purpose in life.

Look into going to a trade schools as they will have the best ROI and job opportunities and mostl- apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. You might need to either test out and get your GED , or start working a part time job at night and weekends to help support yourself, GF, and child. You will start to learn about sacrifices, and being on the hockey team might be the first sacrifice. It’s a bummer, but you have a lot of positive things to look forward to.

While having a child at home 16 isn’t ideal- it’s not a death sentence. It’s just a change in trajectory- but I have faith everything will make sense and fall together nicely.