A Special Hockey Weekend

I typically write about policy issues on this blog, but I thought many readers would be interested in how I spent last weekend -- at the first-ever American Special Hockey Tournament in Lake Placid, N.Y. Since the historic "Miracle on Ice" game in 1980, when the USA team beat the Soviet Union in one of the biggest upsets of all time, there have been hundreds of events and tournaments. But last weekend was the first time a tournament was held in Herb Brooks Arena specifically for people with disabilities.

Special Hockey: Do You Believe in Miracles? from Mark Miller on Vimeo.

Parent Jean Stimey Winegardner wrote a terrific blog post about the tournament, specifically asking if the word "miracle" is accurate or exaggerated in describing the experience.

"I struggle after every single hockey trip to let you know what it is like at these tournaments. I mean, it’s like any other away game trip, right? Kids play games. Some have rough days. Some have incredible days. You swim in the hotel pool. You explore the town. It’s just a team trip, right?

"But it’s not. Part of it is that some of these kids won’t get a lot of opportunities to travel for sports. Part of it is that these tournaments are a space where it is safe for these players to be themselves. Part of it is that these players, who have to work so hard in everyday life, are heroes on the ice. Part of it is that the players get to relax and form friendships, something that can be so hard for some young people with disabilities. Part of it is that these players put on a ton of gear and kick ass at a sport that you and I would probably suck at.

"But it’s more than that.

"I have never seen nor experienced such sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie as I do at these tournaments. There is competition and there are fierce match-ups, but there are also games where on-ice rivals help each other and make sure the puck gets to players that don’t skate as fast or that don’t have the same skills. I’m not talking about the coaches. I’m talking about the players helping each other. I’m talking about inter-team congratulations, celebrations, and encouragement between players. I’m also talking about teams skating as hard as they can to win. There is that too. There is some fantastic hockey at these tournaments."

I encourage you to read her post, "Miracles on Ice." And consider subscribing to her blog -- it's better and more engaging than most parent blogs.

You don't have to be a hockey fan to be inspired by these players. Learn more about the American Special Hockey Association and programs in your area.

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.

Special Hockey Players Brave Cold at NHL Winter Classic

I started 2010 by spending a fun day with young disabled hockey players at the NHL Winter Classic -- the first hockey game ever played at Fenway Park in Boston. The owner of the Boston Bruins, Jeremy Jacobs, personally ensured that youth hockey players would get free tickets to the game, and he was thoughtful to make sure each of the special hockey teams in New England were invited. We had players from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and this video shows how much fun they had.

Thanks to the Bruins, Mr. Jacobs, the Bruins Foundation, and the NHL's Hockey is for Everyone program for supporting special hockey players, coaches, volunteers, and parents. To learn more about special hockey and the American Special Hockey Association, visit our website, join our Facebook group, or follow us on Twitter.

Special Hockey at NHL Winter Classic from Mark Miller on Vimeo.

What Does Hockey Have to Do with Autism?

Please watch and share this video of Andrew Rouff, one of the hockey players I coach on Saturday mornings with the Washington Ice Dogs. All of the kids have autism or other developmental delays, and they inspire me every time I see them. Join the special hockey Facebook group.