This Hockey Team Helps All Players Remember Why They Love The Game
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- This week as part of our Trees of Hockey series, we're heading out onto the hockey rink with the Minnesota Special Hockey League.
The league began nine years ago to give kids with special needs a chance to play stand-up hockey.
Throughout the season, players also get the chance to play with some of the best high school teams around the state.
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Home ice brings an obvious advantage for the Blake Bears varsity boys hockey team on game day, but some matchups aren't always about the win. A Saturday scrimmage with the Minnesota Special Hockey League is solely about the love of the game.
"We're just here to support them and help them have a good time," said Johnny Ferguson, a Blake hockey player. "They show us the real reason we play to begin with."
Ferguson, a senior, and his teammates are in their second year of helping Minnesota Special Hockey. The league is open to all ages and disabilities.
"There's no reason you shouldn't be able to have fun playing hockey," Ferguson said. "It's the sport I love so much, and I'm just glad other people do, too."
Even though the athletes have never played together, the Special Hockey players and Blake players quickly find their rhythm. The ice creates common ground for all athletes to form fast connections.
"I think it's really fun, because you're getting to know new people and getting to know how they play and what their interests are," said Kendall Thiede, a special hockey player.
For Thiede, the collaboration brings out her best. She scored at least three goals during the hour-long scrimmage.
"I think I'm doing really good," Thiede said. "It was easy for me to get the first goal."
The Special Hockey players weren't the only ones learning skills needed to reach the next level.
"It's a really good time for us to have fun, and them to have fun, and interact," said Jackson Saunders, a Blake player.
Success in hockey isn't always about wins and losses; sometimes, it's remembering why you play.
"You get so caught up sometimes in the games, all competitive and you're trying beat the team, but you got to remember that...all these kids want to do is come out and have a good time," Saunders said. "You got to remember to do that when you're playing sports."
Minnesota Special Hockey is always looking for volunteers to help during its Sunday games. For more information, go to www.mnspecialhockey.org.