Disabled hockey programs sponsored by USA Hockey across the nation are proving that hockey is for everyBODY. These programs are divided into four "disciplines." The four disciplines are: Amputee, Hearing Impaired, Sled and Special. Check out these USA Hockey sanctioned programs that help athletes of all abiliaties find their way into the game.

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               The Nova Cool Cats

Ice Hockey Teams Overcome Developmental Disabilities
by Amy Orndorff
The Washington Post
June 5, 2006

He's just 9, but already Robby Callihan has had an ice hockey career that most hockey-loving kids only dream about. He has skated at Verizon Center, home of the Washington Capitals; he has met Olaf Kolzig, their goalie; and he has played in an international tournament.

But even with all that, Robby says his favorite hockey memory "is playing with my friends."

 
VICTORY GOAL: Joey Szymaszek, 14,
celebrates a goal for the MAPET Angels
sled hockey team, an ice hockey program
for physically challenged children.

Miami-Dade County
By Carli Teproff

cteproff@herald.com

As a teenager, David Bradbury remembers the exhilarating feeling of playing ice hockey -- chasing after a puck, trying to score a goal, cheering on his teammates.

''It was just a great feeling,'' Bradbury said.

It has been a while since those days, and a lot has changed since. For one, Bradbury uses a wheelchair since he had a skiing accident in 1983.

But on Sunday, few would have known that he is paralyzed from the waist down.

The Southeastern District would like to congratulate Mike Hickey, former Southeastern District Disabled Hockey Representative, who was elected as the Special Hockey Representative for the USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Section. Mike will serve a term of three years and be responsible to help foster and grow Special Hockey across the United States.

To replace Mike, the Southeastern District would like to welcome Bob Banach as the Southeastern District Disabled Hockey Representative. One of the first projects that Bob will be working on is establishing and forming working relationships with Disabled Hockey representatives in each of the four Affiliates within the Southeastern District. Bob is also currently involved in the start up of new Special and Sled Hockey programs in the Southeastern District.

Bob grew up in the great white north of Essex Junction, Vermont.  He started playing ice hockey at the age of 7.  After high school he joined the U.S. Coast Guard.  During his Coast Guard career he has played in many adult leagues and was the Coach/Captain for Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater's hockey team. Upon retiring from the Coast Guard, Bob and his family moved to the northern Virginia area.  Bob is the Hockey Director for the Nova Cool Cats Special Hockey Team.  Bob also has a fourteen-year-old autistic son.  He is no stranger to children with special needs.  Bob is looking forward to working with all the Southeastern District affiliates.