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Special Hockey

About Special Hockey

The goal of special hockey is to give people with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of ice hockey in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability. Special Hockey emphasizes players to have fun through teamwork, social interaction, and improving the quality of life through on and off ice activities.  

Special hockey serves a wide range of disabilities and there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the sport. Many teams also provide a mentor program in which coaches and volunteers assist the players with important skills for everyday life.


Questions? Contact:

Alex DePalma

Alex DePalma

Special Hockey Rep

Phone: (908) 894-0892


USA Hockey Grow Grant

USA Hockey and the USA Hockey Foundation are proud to offer the GROW Grant Program to assist new special hockey programs. This grant can serve two purposes, either helping with the initial costs of getting a new special hockey program off the ground with a financial grant, or to provide assistance in the purchasing of equipment through a cooperative partnership with Pure Hockey.

New Special Hockey programs in the first or second year of their existence can submit an application to receive either $2,000 in start-up money or up to $2,200 worth of equipment from Pure Hockey. The financial grant will be mailed in the form of a check and can be used for ice time, formation of not-for-profit status, marketing and equipment, etc. As a partner of the USA Hockey Disabled Program, Pure Hockey directly contributes $200 to the grant for a total of $2,200. Awarded programs will work directly with Pure Hockey to order equipment.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, USA Hockey in unable to offer the grow grant program at this time. If you are in need of equipment, please contact your local Disabled Hockey Section Rep for recommendations or guidance.




Special Hockey News

2023 USA Hockey Annual Award Winners Announced

By USA Hockey 05/25/2023, 12:55pm MDT

Winners to be honored as part of USA Hockey's Annual Meeting, which runs from June 7-10 in Denver

Youth Hockey News