Back from a Break: Disabled Hockey Festival

I haven't updated this blog in a while, partly because my attention shifted last week to managing communications and another blog for the 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival in Laurel, Md. I've mentioned before that I volunteer with the American Special Hockey Association, which is similar to Special Olympics for ice hockey (because SO doesn't offer hockey) for people with developmental disabilities. But special hockey was just a part of the festival, which also included sled hockey, deaf and hearing-impaired hockey, and amputee hockey. The festival included several games with the USA Warriors, a program for wounded soldiers who are using hockey as part of their physical and emotional recovery.

Please read and share the festival blog, even with your friends who aren't hockey fans.  One of the best articles about the festival was from the local Gazette newspaper, which really explored the therapeutic benefits of hockey for children with autism, Down Syndrome, and ADHD. Read "Disabled Hockey Festival Ready to Score: Coaches, Parents Say Players Feel Part of Something Beyond a Disability."

Sled hockey

One of the USA Warriors, a double amputee who's an inspiration to his teammates and opponents.  Read about the Warriors, "The Warriors Way," from USA Hockey magazine.

Duff Goldman of "Ace of Cakes" on the Food Network, designed and delivered a special cake for the festival. While he was there, he asked to try out sled hockey and got to play alongside members of the USA Sled Hockey Team, which just won the gold medal in the Paralympics in Vancouver.  A future episode of the "Ace of Cakes" will feature his participation.

To learn more about special hockey, visit us at www.facebook.com/specialhockey, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/specialhockey, or visit www.americanspecialhockey.org.