USA Hockey Disabled Festival

Minnesota is Wild About Disabled Hockey!

2010-09-22T21:07:00.003-04:00

Disabled hockey took the spotlight tonight in Minnesota. Before a preseason game between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, USA Hockey held a press conference with Minnesota Hockey, the Schwan Super Rink, and the Wild to officially announce the seventh annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival. The national festival will be held April 1-3, 2011, in Blaine, Minn., and will feature all four disciplines of disabled hockey -- deaf/hard of hearing hockey, special hockey, sled hockey, and standing/amputee hockey.

Disabled hockey participants were featured throughout the game, including a flag bearer, Let’s Play Hockey, program sellers, a special hockey game, and a sled hockey game. Read more from the Minnesota Wild's website.

Thanks to the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Hockey, and all the festival volunteers for their tremendous support of disabled hockey.

Spreading the Word about Disabled Hockey

2010-04-22T20:00:00.003-04:00

One thing I love about blogs is being able to track where visitors come from. In just three weeks after launching, we've had visitors from 40 U.S. states and 15 countries (Canada, United Kingdom, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Costa Rica, South Africa, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan).

Soon I'll post a summary of festival coverage from newspapers and blogs so you can see how the festival showed even more people that hockey is for everyone.

"Most Uplifting Display of Sportsmanship I Have Ever Seen"

2010-04-15T20:38:00.001-04:00

Writing for the Howard County Times, sports reporter Stan Ber says, "In last week's column I wrote that I was planning to attend the festival. However, I never expected in my wildest dreams to see some of the most uplifting displays of sportsmanship I have ever seen since I starting writing sports in 1971.

"I saw parents cheering their own team and the opponents and players high-fiving a player on the other team for a good play. Every goal, every goalie save, every good pass or shot was met by cheers from both sides.... Missing was the usual bitterness that we have all too often at sporting events for the able-bodied. One of the most uplifting moments came when coaches assisted players to the mouth of the goal so they could shoot and score. The goalies were obviously clued in to let the puck slide past and those youngsters who might otherwise never score came off the ice pumping their fists in the air. It brought tears to some eyes.

"Every so often I get the opportunity to see how athletes cope with their various disabilities. In this case, these young hockey players, their parents and coaches can teach the able bodied what true sports can be. We need to see this kind of athlete more."

Read "Disabled Hockey Athletes Show the True Meaning of Good Sportsmanship."

"Being on the Ice Makes Me Feel Free"

2010-04-15T20:17:00.002-04:00

Reporter Caitlin Moran of the Gazette visited the festival and took time to watch several games and talk with coaches, parents, and player. Her article profiles the host team of the 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival, the Washington Ice Dogs. Founded 10 years ago, the Ice Dogs are one of the top teams in the American Special Hockey Association.

Because of the sensory nature of the sport, it is especially beneficial to children with autism, said festival director and Ice Dogs founder Mike Hickey. Parents told Moran that participating in special hockey has allowed children to feel included and part of something beyond a disability. One of the Ice Dogs players, Brian Howell, said, "Just being on the ice makes me feel free."

Read "Hockey Festival Ready to Score: Coaches, parents say hockey league players feel part of Something Beyond a Disability."

Festival "a Reminder That We all Need to Turn a Bad Situation Into an Opportunity"

2010-04-15T20:00:00.066-04:00

For many people, the 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival was the first time they had seen or heard of special hockey, sled hockey, deaf hockey, or amputee hockey. As bloggers have blogged ad reporters have reported, I've enjoyed seeing their enthusiasm -- and have been reminded of what motivated me to get involved with the American Special Hockey Association and our local teams.

One person who perfectly summarized the spirit of the festival was Kathleen, who writes a blog called DC Hawkeye. In a post titled "Hockey Changes Lives," she reflects on a particularly inspiring athlete, Joe Bowser, who was wounded in Iraq and lost a leg. He now is a member of the US National Amputee Team, which will play in the world championship next month. When I interviewed Joe for USA Hockey magazine, he told me, "I'm probably the only person you'll ever meet who chose to have his leg amputated so I could play hockey." Kathleen was touched by another quote, when Joe said, "You have to play with the cards they deal you. You have to adapt and overcome any kind of injury or disability you have and make the best of it."

On her experience at the festival, she writes: "Life is full of challenges for everyone, and it's easy to let things build up and get you down. But when I see someone like Joe Bowser play, I know that everything is going to be alright. It helps me to meet my own challenges, and it puts things into perspective...

"Like Joe Bowser says, you have to adapt and overcome. And when I consider how he has overcome obstacles that are unimaginable to me, and is such a role model for serving his country, hanging on to the sport that he loves, and working to improve the lives of others, it's a much-needed reminder that we all need to turn a bad situation into an opportunity and make it work. Watching people who have overcome obstacles greater than my own, and seeing them compete as more of an athlete than I will ever be... that is a truly moving, empowering experience."

Read Kathleen's blog post, "Hockey Changes Lives."

Read my profile of Joe and the USA Warriors, "The Warriors Way," from USA Hockey magazine.

Miss Virginia 2008, Tara Wheeler, Opens Military Games

2010-04-13T23:14:00.000-04:00

Former Penn State goalie and Miss America Tara Wheeler sang the National Anthem on Saturday at two special games featuring soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the first, the USA Warriors sled team faced the San Antonio Rampage, another military team. In the second, the USA Warriors standing team played the Maryland Law (law enforcement officials) with Capitals alumni Joe Reekie, Sylvain Cote, and Gord Lane.

Writing in her blog for Comcast Sportsnet, Tara said, "Watching the guys warming up for the sled hockey game, many of them younger than I am, I thought about what these men sacrificed for me and our country and for the freedom of everyone in the world. I got choked up as I stepped onto the ice to sing the National Anthem but quickly pulled myself together. I owed these heroes the best performance I could give and it wouldn’t happen with a knot in my throat."

Clai Carr, Owner of Gardens Ice House

2010-04-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

In a media interview, Clai Carr, the owner of the Gardens Ice House and a longtime supporter of special hockey programs, talks about the challenges and rewards of hosting a festival of this size and importance.

Players' Code of Conduct

2010-04-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

At the festival, we introduced codes of conduct for players, coaches, and officials. Here is the Players' Code of Conduct:

· We commit to the principles of sportsmanship, acceptance, and fair play.

· We will uphold the integrity and dignity of the sport of ice hockey.

· We will support and encourage our teammates and follow the direction of our coaches.

· We will accept the authority of game officials and the decisions they make.

· We will respect our opponents even as we compete against them.

· We will celebrate our accomplishments and accept our challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Former Capitals on USA Warriors and other Brave Athletes

2010-04-13T22:19:00.002-04:00

Caps alums Sylvain Cote and Yvon Labre talk about their experience at the festival. (Sorry about the lighting.)

Sunday Highlights

2010-04-11T20:17:00.000-04:00

See You Next Year...in Minnesota

2010-04-11T20:09:00.002-04:00

The 7th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn., April 1-3, 2011.

In this short interview, 2011 festival director Toni O'Brien explains why you should go.

US National Amputee Team vs. USA Warriors

2010-04-11T20:07:00.000-04:00

The U.S. National Amputee Team will play in Montreal for the world championship April 27-May 1. They will be one of seven teams attempting to unseat the undefeated Canadians, who have five world titles. This morning, they played the USA Warriors in an all-U.S. game. Amputee hockey is for players who are missing one or more upper or lower limbs.

A double amputee on the USA Warriors.

Sled Hockey Championship Results

2010-04-11T19:56:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the winners of the four divisions of sled hockey:
Adult A: Buffalo Sabres defeat Northeast Passage
Adult B: Chicago RIC defeats Pittsburgh Penguins
Youth A: Wings of Steel defeats Chicago Hornets
Youth B: Space Coast Hurricanes defeat Capital/Delaware Sled Warriors

Small trophies for first and second place in each sled hockey division; a large trophy for each of the four winning teams.

J.J. O'Connor and Mike Hickey award the trophies on the ice.

A proud member of the Space Coast Hurricanes, winners in the Youth B Division.

800 Players, 800 Stories. Here's One.

2010-04-11T14:15:00.001-04:00

At 8 years old, Harrison is new to sled hockey. In fact, he's been playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins novice team for just a month and a half, and this tournament was the first time he had played on full ice and against another team. I had a chance to meet Harrison, his parents, and his coach at the team's last game of the festival this morning, against the Space Coast Hurricanes.

Harrison's mother, Michele, told me he got started after seeing sled hockey during an intermission at an NHL Penguins game. "He really wanted to be part of a team, so he could play and compete, and he really likes it. He's just starting, but he does okay. He holds his own, even though he's younger than many of the other players." The opportunity to play in a national tournament for the first time "has been a big deal for him and the entire team."

Harrison's dad helps get him in his sled before the game.

Harrison with his mother and father.

After the first period, the Penguins trailed the older and more experienced Hurricanes 5-0 on the scoreboard, but anyone who was counting knew the actual goals against were in double digits. Here Coach Hadley Dean gives them a pep talk.

Harrison with Coach Hadley in the locker room after the game. After going 1-3 in his first tournament, Harrison told me, "The team was working hard and doing their best, and that's all I can ask of them."

Harrison receives his medal from festival director Mike Hickey.

A Visit by a Goalie, Miss Virginia 2008

2010-04-10T23:04:00.003-04:00

Tara Wheeler, Miss Virginia 2008, joined the USA Hockey Disabled Festival today to sing the National Anthem at two feature games featuring wounded soldiers. Now a blogger for Comcast Sportsnet, Tara was the starting goalie for the Penn State Lady Icers and continues to play recreational hockey in local men's leagues. She feels a particular connection with the Armed Forces, having grown up in a military family and serving as an Air Force ROTC cadet and flight commander, and told me she was honored to be part of the festival.

Tara with former Washington Capitals Joe Reekie, Sylvain Cote, and Gordie Lane, who played in a game between the USA Warriors and Maryland Law.

With members of the USA Warriors, a team of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

With members of sled hockey players with the USA Warriors.

With J.J. O'Connor, chair of USA Hockey's disabled section and general manager of the USA sled hockey team that won the gold medal in Vancouver.

Seen on Saturday

2010-04-10T21:54:00.000-04:00

Media Interest Grows for Disabled Hockey

2010-04-10T21:14:00.005-04:00

Despite the fact that the 6th Annual Hockey Disabled Festival has overlapped with an exciting final weekend for the NHL, media interest has been strong. Once they have arrived, most reporters and photographers have stayed for several hours to talk to players, coaches, parents, and volunteers and to watch as many games as they can. Many seem amazed by the level of play, the intensity of the games, and the inspiring attitude of the athletes. The Washington Post ran two photos on the front page of today's Metro section, and the festival also has attracted Comcast Sportsnet, Reuters, the Gazette, McClatchey News Service, and numerous photographers and bloggers.

Medals and Medalists

2010-04-10T11:21:00.001-04:00

There's plenty more hockey coming today, tonight, and tomorrow, but some teams are playing their final games this morning. That means we get to pull the medals out of boxes and put them around athletes' necks. Any medal is nice, but we think the 2010 festival medals are pretty cool, and the players seem to agree.

Interview: Andy Yohe, USA Sled Hockey Captain

2010-04-10T00:12:00.001-04:00

"One thing I've learned is that bronze medals are good, silver is cool, but people get really, really excited about gold medals."

Meet-and-Greet with Sled Hockey World Champions

2010-04-10T00:09:00.003-04:00

Reunited for the first time since they won the gold medal at the Paralympics in Vancouver, members of the USA Sled Hockey Team signed autographs for fans between games. Players came to skate with their teams from several states, and captain Andy Yohe told me it was fun to them to hang out but also compete against each other. The players were very accommodating to their fans, letting them hold and even wear their gold medals. View interview with Yohe.

Captain Andy Yohe

Alexi Salamone

Taylor Chace

Looking Ahead to an Action-Packed Saturday

2010-04-09T23:34:00.001-04:00

After the first two days of the festival, we've already played 40 games. Saturday will include 16 sled hockey games, 12 special hockey games, two deaf and hard-of-hearing games, and two amputee games featuring military veterans. If you've been following the blog, Twitter, and Facebook updates about the festival, you know you're guaranteed to see some great hockey if you visit the festival any time Saturday, starting at 7:40 a.m.

NHL Home Ice Interview with Festival Director Mike Hickey

2010-04-09T22:42:00.003-04:00

Interview with USA Disabled Hockey Festival director Mike Hickey on XM's NHL Home Ice. Hickey says the festival is the largest ever, but represents just a fraction of the disabled programs around the country. Listen now.

Mixed Reviews for Ace of Cakes' Sled Hockey Debut

2010-04-09T20:06:00.002-04:00

The Disabled Hockey Festival was honored to have a cake personally designed, produced, and delivered by the Ace of Cakes himself, Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Md. Everyone in attendance got a sneak preview of the cake, and I even took photos, but I can't share them here because the cake will be unveiled to the public in a future episode of the "Ace of Cakes" on the Food Network.

Before he presented the cake at the opening ceremonies Friday night, Duff tried his hand (or, I should say, his arms) at sled hockey. Now, sled hockey is not easy for anyone, but Duff put his reputation -- and his body -- on the line by takng the ice with some of the world best players, including many who just won the gold medal at the Paralympics in Vancouver. He fell down a few times, nearly scored a goal, needed a push from the referee occasionally, and got in a fight with the opposing goalie -- but overall it was an impressive debut. And one that will make for great TV, so don't miss this episode.

Q&A with the Keeper of the Cup

2010-04-09T19:26:00.002-04:00

Before he packed up the Stanley Cup for its next stop (in Calgary), Mike Bolt of the Hockey Hall of Fame talked to me about his experience at the Disabled Hockey Festival.

Of the festival attendees, he said, "They do have a lot of challenges, but the reaction to the Stanley Cup is the same -- the smiles you see and the way you brighten someone's day when they get to see the Stanley Cup, whether it's a 9-year-old child or a 50-year-old." Just a few weeks ago, he had the opportunity to bring the Cup to soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

"So these players all of some disadvantage, but whether they're a soldier, have been injured, or were born with some condition, it doesn't stop them from living their lives. No matter what problems we have on a day-to-day basis, we could learn a lot from these people."

Photos: Opening Night Games

2010-04-08T22:47:00.007-04:00

NOVA Cool Cats coach Randy Brawley consults with a Washington Ice Dog.

The Washington Ice Dogs vs. the East Coast Jumbos.

He caught me taking his photo. I love his expression.

We were worried our volunteer t-shirts wouldn't be bright enough. What do you think?

One of the Baltimore Saints unwinds after his first game.

The NOVA Cool Cats mascot, pretty graceful on his/her skates.

All players get the support they need to participate.

Even the mascots show good sportsmanship at the USA Hockey Disabled Festival, but you could argue that hugging opposing players while the puck is in play may be taking it too far.

The Baltimore Saints mascot with a fan.

Ready for NHL Playoffs? Silent Auction Now Has Prime Capitals Tickets

2010-04-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

We just learned today that Washington Capitals president Dick Patrick has generously offered THREE pairs of tickets to the team's first playoff game, which will be April 15. These seats are in Section 112, Rows R and S, near the blueline. These are among the best seats at Verizon Center. The bidding for these and other items will open at noon on Friday and end promptly at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

You do NOT need to be present on Saturday to win, but you do need to enter your bid in person at the Gardens Ice House. The three pairs of tickets will be separate auction items -- so three people can win one pair. Let the bidding begin.

Thanks to Mr. Patrick for his tremendous support of disabled hockey and the festival.

Opening Day -- with the Stanley Cup

2010-04-08T13:21:00.002-04:00

The Gardens Ice House is all set up and ready to welcome nearly 50 teams from acros the country for the 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival. At noon, the Stanley Cup arrived. A group of guys playing pickup at the rink were pleasantly surprised to see Stanley as they left the ice. If you're in the area, today is the day to see the Cup -- it will also be here tomorrow, but we'll be taking team photos. I expect it will exciting but also a little chaotic.

Festival committee members Justin Murch, Mark Miller, and Mike Hickey.

Festival program.

Handicapped parking has been significantly expanded for the festival, and the signs even have the festival logo.

Johnstown Sitting Bulls Pack Sleds for Hockey Festival

2010-04-08T00:16:00.000-04:00

Christina Dunmyer of the Daily American profiles the Johnstown Sitting Bulls, a novice youth team (first grade to 18 years old) whose first game at the festival will be against their fellow Pennsylvanians the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins. Head coach Brian Buchkovich said, "Many of these kids wear braces on their legs because of Spinabifida or other aliments, but they can play other sports. For some, they are wheelchair-bound and this is the only sport their doctors will let them play. For USA Hockey to do something like this for the kids is tremendous."

Read "Sitting Bulls Head to Hockey Festival."

Sled Hockey GM on Growth of Disabled Hockey Festival

2010-04-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

J.J. O'Connor, the general manager of the gold-medal-winning USA sled hockey team, says he's looking forward to the 2010 USA Hockey Disabled Festival, the largest ever. "It happens all the time," O'Connor told USA Hockey. "Someone visits our Disabled Festival and is inspired to go out and join their local organization's team. And we're seeing higher levels of competition each year because of it....Our goal every year is to create an atmosphere that leaves a happiness with everyone in the facility. Plus, the more people that attend to watch and cheer on the athletes, the better they feel." Read O'Connor's interview with USA Hockey.

Player Profile: Max Maksimyadis, New York Raptors

2010-04-07T21:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever seen a goalie win a game without using a stick? If not, you've never seen Max Maksimyadis play. Max plays for the New York Raptors and can't hold a stick or put a blocker on his right hand. So he tapes the blocker to his right arm and plays fine -- or, more accurately, well enough to be one of the best goalies in the American Special Hockey Association. In 2008, Max was named the USA Disabled Hockey Athlete of the Year. Read "Maksimyadis Stands Tall On and Off the Ice."

"If You Have Plans This Weekend, Cancel Them for USA Hockey Disabled Festival"

2010-04-07T20:08:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Kathleen at the J.B. Sports Chat blog for her post encouraging people to attend the festival.

"If you don't have plans this weekend, head out to Laurel, Md., with me," she writes. "If you do have plans this weekend, cancel them and head out to Laurel, Md., this weekend for the 6th Annual Hockey Disabled Festival at the Gardens Ice House.

"The Hockey Disabled Festival will feature hockey games like you have never seen before. There will be games all weekend long in four categories: Special hockey, sled hockey, standing amputees, and deaf/hearing impaired. You can also meet the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team and check out their gold medals (the Vancouver medals were way cooler than all previous medals, by the way). And the Stanley Cup will be making an appearance at the festival."

Opening Day: Thursday's Lineup

2010-04-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is opening day of the Hockey Festival. As we await the arrival of other teams, many of the Washington area's teams will be in action Thursday evening.
5:30 p.m. -- Philadelphia Fearless Flyers vs. Montgomery Cheetahs
6:25 p.m. -- Deaf/Hard of Hearing Practice
6:30 p.m. -- Nova Cool Cats vs Washington Ice Dogs
7:40 p.m. -- Baltimore Saints #1 vs. Nova Cool Cats
8:00 p.m. -- East Coast Jumbos vs. Washington Ice Dogs A
8:40 p.m. -- Baltimore Saints #2 vs. Montgomery Cheetahs

Michigan FAR Flyers Pack for Two Tournaments

2010-04-06T22:40:00.001-04:00

The Michigan FAR Flyers are ready for the USA Hockey Disabled Festival and the Special Hockey International Tournament after a double-header against the Brampton Battalion. (Scouting report for the teams that will face the FAR Flyers: 20-year-old Justin May, says, "I'm usually the guy that plays rough and smashes them into the boards.") Read "Participation the Victory Here" from the Daily Herald.

The Detroit News recently reported on the rise of special hockey in Michigan, including the FAR Flyers. Read "Special Hockey is Breaking Out Across the State."

Player Profile: Joe Bowser, USA National Amputee Team

2010-04-06T19:09:00.001-04:00

Six years ago, on April 12, retired Army reservist Joseph L. Bowser lost part of his leg after a rocket attack when he was serving in Balad, Iraq. When I Joe for USA Hockey magazine (read "The Warriors Way"), he told me, “I’m probably the only person you’ll ever meet who opted to have their leg amputated so they could play hockey."

The military will be well represented at the festival. Joe will play for the USA Standing Amputee Team. The USA Warriors will also be at the tournament, and on Saturday, sled hockey teams composed of veterans will play against each other.

Silent Auction Items

2010-04-04T23:09:00.000-04:00

The hockey festival's silent auction will benefit the disabled programs of the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association. Thanks to the organizations that have donated these and other great items.

Nicklas Backstrom autographed jersey (donated by the NHL)
Jordan Staal autographed jersey (donated by the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Patrice Bergeron autographed jersey (donated by the Boston Bruins)
Andrew Ladd autographed puck and photo (donated by the Chicago Blackhawks)
Chris Drury autographed game used stick (donated by Chris Drury)
Minnesota Wild autographed jersey / 2009-2010 team (donated by the NHL)
Arron Asham autographed hat (donated by the NHL)
Brendan Morrison and Mathieu Perreault autographed hat (donated by the NHL)
Tuomo Ruutu autographed puck (donated by the NHL)
Ryan Malone autographed puck (donated by the NHL)

Festival attendees can bid from noon on Friday to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Winners will be posted at 4:00 p.m. (Sorry, we have not set up the ability to bid online.) The sale of custom-made wristbands for $2.00 and a raffle will also benefit disabled programs in the area.

"They're done being spectators. They're hockey players."

2010-04-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

From Minnesota, a video that explains what disabled hockey is all about.

"In this state, you should be on the ice, regardless of your ability," says Toni Boelter, the disabled hockey representative for Minnesota Hockey. "You know what's really neat? Most of these kids have a brother or a cousin or a sister or dad who plays hockey. And their entire lives they've been sitting on the bench and cheering them on. They've never actually been the kid who can be on the ice.

"So for these kids to get on the ice and look up and see their friends and family cheering them on and holding up signs. They finally get to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment that says, 'I can do this too. I'm part of a team.' They're all done being spectators, now they're participants. They're hockey players."

USA's 2010 Gold Medalists

2010-04-03T20:21:00.003-04:00

At the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the USA men's and women's teams played well but lost to Canada. But the Paralympics were another story -- one that should have received more TV and media coverage than it did.

The USA sled hockey team was a favorite to medal in the Paralympics, but even they could not have predicted their success. Not only did they go undefeated against the world's top teams, but goalie Steve Cash did not even allow a goal, and USA outscored its opponents 19-0.

Because many of the gold medalists play for sled hockey teams participating in the USA Hockey Disabled Festival, we are thrilled to welcome many of them. On Saturday afternoon at 5:00, there will be a meet-and-greet with members of Team USA, as well as the USA Standing Amputee team and the USA Warriors. In this VISA profile, meet one of the sled hockey champions, Alexi Salamone.

USA Warriors: Heroes on Ice

2010-04-03T19:49:00.000-04:00

In addition to the USA Hockey Disabled areas of special hockey, sled hockey, standing amputee, and deaf and hearing-impaired, the USA Hockey Disabled Festival is honored to also host the USA Warriors, a team of soldiers who have been wounded in action. Read about the USA Warriors in this article from USA Hockey magazine, "The Warriors Way."

On Saturday at 3:00 p.m., the USA Warriors will face off against the Maryland Law, a team of federal, state, and military law enforcement officers. Right before that game, at 1:40 p.m., a USA Warriors sled hockey team (with players from different states) will take on the San Antonio Rampage, another military sled hockey team. Read about the San Antonio team in another article from USA Hockey, "Stars, Stripes, and Sleds."

Saturday will end with a matchup between the USA National Standing Amputee Team against Team Canada, at 7:00 p.m.

Ace of Cakes Supports Disabled Hockey!

2010-04-03T19:10:00.000-04:00

You may know Duff Goldman from the "Ace of Cakes" show on the Food Network. What you may not know is that he's a big hockey fan and a former player for the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC). Duff has graciously agreed to create a cake for the USA Hockey Disabled Festival, and we're hopeful it will be featured on "Ace of Cakes" in the future. The cake will be unveiled during opening ceremonies April 9 at 8:00 p.m., and it will be consumed immediately after that!

Watch this funny commercial Duff made for a Hockey Fights Cancer event.

A Special Guest Named Stanley

2010-04-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

In 2007, I was fortunate enough to "meet" the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame. As excited as I was, I can only imagine how special it will be when the players at the disabled hockey festival get to see the Cup in person (and maybe even get their picture taken with it). Check back for photos of the Cup when it arrives in Laurel!

"Even More Hockey Heading to Washington, D.C."

2010-04-03T18:57:00.000-04:00

Monica McAlister, a great supporter of disabled hockey programs, also is a writer with thehockeywriters.com. Read her article about the festival, "Even More Hockey Heading to Washington, D.C." She's also tweeting like crazy about the festival. (You can too, by following @specialhockey and hashtag #hockeyfest on Twitter.) Thanks, Monica!

6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival

2010-04-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

The 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival will be held April 8-11, 2010, at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Md. The tournament will bring together players, coaches, families, and volunteers from across the country to celebrate the inclusive nature of this sport. Teams will compete in the areas of special hockey, sled hockey, standing amputee, and deaf and hearing-impaired. Also participating will be the USA Warriors, a team made up of soldiers who have been wounded in action.

Read the media advisory and schedule.

During the festival, we will post updates on Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, visit the American Special Hockey Association's page at http://facebook.com/specialhockey. On Twitter, follow @specialhockey and hashtag #hockeyfest.

List of Participating Teams

2010-04-03T17:50:00.000-04:00

Special Hockey Teams

Baltimore Saints (Maryland)
Boston Bear Cubs (Massachusetts)

Bucks County Admirals (Pennsylvania)

Carolina CAT 5 Canes (North Carolina)

Chicago Tomahawks (Illinois)

Connecticut Chasers (Connecticut)

CCYHA Blue Jackets (Ohio)

East Coast Jumbos (Massachusetts)
Gateway Locomotives (Missouri)

Long Island Blues (New York)

Michigan FAR Flyers (Michigan)

Minnesota Special Hockey (Minnesota)

Montgomery Cheetahs (Maryland)

New Jersey Daredevils (New Jersey)

New York Raptors (New York)

NOVA Cool Cats (Virginia)

Philadelphia Fearless Flyers (Pennsylvania)

Southern Connecticut Storm (Connecticut)

Steel City Icebergs (Pennsylvania)
Washington Ice Dogs (Washington, D.C.)

Sled Hockey Teams – Adult

Buffalo Sabres (New York)

Chicago RIC Blackhawks (Illinois)

Michigan Sled Dogs (Michigan)

PA Center-Pedes (Pennsylvania)

Mid American (Pennsylvania)

Minnesota (Minnesota)

San Antonio Rampage (military --Texas)

Tampa Bay Lightning (Florida)

UNH Northeast Passage Wildcats (New Hampshire)

Utah NAC Golden Eagles (Utah)

USA Warriors (military -- National)

Sled Hockey Teams – Youth

Bennett Blazers (Maryland)

Buffalo Sabres (New York)

Capital District Sled Warriors (New York)

Colorado Little Avs (Colorado)

DC Sled Sharks (Washington, D.C.)

Delaware Sled Snipers (Delaware)

Chicago Hornets (Illinois)
Grand Rapids Sled Wings Jr. Sled (Michigan)

Johnstown Sitting Bulls (Pennsylvania)

Ohio Blades (Ohio)

Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins (Pennsylvania)

Space Coast Hurricanes (Florida)

Virtua Wings of Steel (New Jersey)

Others

USA Warriors (military)

USA Standing National Amputee Team

AHIHA Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Team

Intro to Special Hockey

2010-04-03T16:21:00.003-04:00

From one of the newer special hockey programs, in Brick, N.J., this slideshow is a great overview of what makes special hockey so special. Open the link and click the play button. You can also read about this program on the American Special Hockey Association site.

Looking Back at 2009 Hockey Festival

2010-04-03T15:08:00.003-04:00

The 5th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival was held in Buffalo, N.Y. The event drew 1,500 athletes representing 42 teams from more than 40 U.S. cities. Here's a report from USA Hockey.

JJ O’Connor, chair of USA Hockey’s disabled section, said, “It goes by so quickly and you have so much while you’re here. It’s almost a blur, it’s sad to see it end. It’s so enjoyable to watch these kids play and compete and have fun and learn to play together. To meet other players on other teams who are just like they are....I think it was a huge success. There is something for everyone here. We have all different walks of life. We have people who are in wheelchairs. We have people who are missing limbs; we have people who can’t hear. I think everybody could walk away with a smile on their face.”

That event produced this photo that has come to represent the spirit of disabled hockey. In it, a player from the Tomahawks takes a break from the game to pick up a stick for a much younger player from the Baltimore Saints.