By David Driver
The Laurel Leader, 4/6/2000

Until recently, Laurel resident Matthew Wrathall had never played hockey.

And although he has played basketball and soccer with Special Olympics for several years, his newest sport has also become his favorite.

"He just got on the

Disabled Players Blossom on Hockey Team

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 3, 2004; Page D01

Like so many of the youngsters who meet Coach Mike Hickey for the first time, Sam Smith was nervous and reserved.

Smith, a teenager with autism, was among the i

by Ted Black
The Gazette, Staff Writer

Apr. 8, 2004

Gardens' Ice House co-owner Clai Carr can still recall the day his youngest son, Tyler Carr, was born 22 years ago -- what should have been a completely joyous occasion was soon overshadowed by concern.

The 10th annual Special Hockey International Tournament held April 1-April 4 at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel MD was a tremendous success. Nearly 400 athletes with developmental disabilities displayed heart and courage that would rival any Ice Hockey Tournament ever played.

Special Hockey Washington hosted the tournament which was attended by 23 Teams from the United States, Canada and Lond

By Harry Thompson
American Hockey Magazine, 2003

Seldom is the score at a National Championship site more irrelevant as the Washington Ice Dogs' 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Gateway Locomotives.

For one night, the fact that a game was held at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD., made everyone involv