March 23, 2009
By Dave Whalen
Special to USAHockey.com
Buffalo, NY - 1,500 athletes representing 42 teams from over 40 US cities convened on Western New York to make the 5th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival the most successful tournament in the history of the event. A total of 75 games were played over the three day weekend of March 20-22.
The Sled hockey and Special hockey divisions each had 20 teams represented while the Deaf/Hard of Hearing discipline also brought their game.
Sled hockey highlights include the Team USA-Team Canada game on Friday night. Team Canada scored three third period goals, including the game winner with 46 seconds left, to come from behind and defeat Team USA 3-2.
The Sled hockey division was a tournament broken into four divisions; Youth Novice, Youth Intermediate, Adult ‘A’ and Adult ‘B’. Winners of their divisions were Mid America, Grand Rapids Sled Wings, North East Passage, and Minnesota, respectively.
 | A Tomahawks Special hockey player picks up a fallen stick for a young Saints player. |
Norm Page, USA Hockey National Sled Hockey representative and father of Team USA’s youngest player, Adam, was a key person in bringing the tournament to his hometown.
“We knew the city of Buffalo and (Western New York) would embrace the festival”, Page said. “We are still surprised at the generosity and the volunteerism of the community to support the festival. It was probably the most successful festival to date in terms of participants.”
The economic impact to the area was estimated at $600,000 by the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Special Hockey division is designed to allow individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities play the game. Baltimore, Columbus, Buffalo, and a second Michigan team made their debuts in competitive play.
Mike Hickey noted that there are 76 teams currently playing in the country. Special hockey is the fastest growing discipline in USA Hockey. Hickey is the President of the American Special Hockey Association, an affiliate of USA Hockey. He is also an assistant coach on the Washington (DC) Ice Dogs. He would like to see 100 teams by the start of the 2010 season.
“It’s a fantastic event”, Hickey said. “Along the line you have little glitches but this was pulled together so well by the Buffalo hockey people. I know from past experience that pulling an event like this together is extremely tough. This is a true USA Hockey event. It really has the people that are here for the right reasons and it shows on the smiles of the faces of the players.”
The Special hockey format was not tournament-style, instead focusing on the pure enjoyment of the game. There were no trophies and score, although it is kept, is not emphasized. All players received a USA Hockey medal.
The Deaf/Hearing Impaired division had 8 players when they arrived in Buffalo, but added one when a parent saw the local news on Friday and came to the event in the hope of getting her son involved. Needless to say, the roster expanded by one when their games began.
There are about 100 players across the country involved in this division, which is represented by the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association (AHIHA), an affiliate of USA Hockey. There are only two opportunities a year for the team to come together; the Festival and the summer camp in June. Players are naturally integrated with teams from their hometowns for all of their other hockey experiences.
The AHIHA team played area teams who were not deaf/hearing impaired. During the second period, the opponent was not allowed to verbalize at all, from the coach calling for a line change to players yelling for a pass. This allows for some sensitivity training on ice. Strobe lights are fastened to the end and side glass to replace the horn and whistle.
“Because the players come from all over the country they don’t have the opportunity to play together that often”, said Karen Wonoski, AHIHA President. “The camp in June is the big opportunity and then the festival gives the younger players that opportunity to be together, be with the friends they’ve made. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about being with other players who are deaf like yourself. A lot of times they are the only hearing impaired player on their team or in their school. They just gel. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”
Wonoski is the Deaf/Hear Impaired USA Hockey representative. She noted that the USA team is gearing up to defend their gold medal from the 2007 Deaf Olympics at Salt Lake City. The next big test is the World Deaf Ice hockey/Curling Championships in Winnipeg next month.
JJ O’Connor is the Chair of USA Hockey’s disabled section. “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. It’s definitely one of the highlights of my year.”
“I think it was a huge success”, O’Connor added. “For anyone who came if you didn’t have a good time it was your own fault. 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.”
An event like no other, the Festival made an everlasting mark on Western New York, and the parents, fans, coaches, and most notably, players. USA Hockey has distinguished itself as a progressive organization committed to the growth and enjoyment of one the greatest sports on earth, having no barriers and embracing all athletes, regardless of their challenge or need. Mark your calendars for April 8-11, 2010 in Laurel, Maryland for next year’s Festival. |