Throughout the year,
the New Hamburg Huskies Atom A hockey team has had the opportunity to play many
excellent teams. But never have the boys left the ice with more admiration and
respect for an opponent then Sunday when they had the opportunity to play an
exhibition game with the Woolwich Thrashers Junior Sledge Hockey team.
At the beginning, the Huskies weren’t sure what to expect. They had been told they wouldn’t need their skates or sticks. So as the boys stepped on to the ice they were happy to be greeted by Thrashers staff who placed them in sledges, strapped their legs in and gave them two small sledge hockey sticks that the boys needed to use to handle the puck and propel the sledges up and down the ice.
With parents and supporters looking on from the stands the puck dropped to signal the start of the game. The Thrashers wasted no time in displaying their skills by going down the ice and promptly depositing the puck into the back of the Huskies net. This trend continued throughout the game as the Thrashers displayed their impressive abilities, while the Huskies all had a blast just trying to maneuver their sledges while handling the puck, usually with their efforts ending in them sliding into the boards or tipping over. The exhibition ended with a shootout where each player was able to wow the crowds with their individual moves.
After the game, both teams gathered in the lobby for some comradery and donuts. At this time, Huskies player Brett Bell presented the Thrasher’s organization with donation of $625. Brett collected the money at his 10th birthday party by asking teammates and friends to donate to this cause, in lieu of giving him a gift. Great job, Brett!
The entire Huskies Atom A family would like to thank Woolwich Thrasher organization for introducing us all to the game of sledge hockey and for showing us that our similarities far outweigh any differences that may exist.
Woolwich Sledge Hockey (WSH) contributes to the development of the sport of sledge hockey through a range of programs designed for persons with disabilities. The objective of the WSH organization is to contribute to the health and well being of people with disabilities by providing opportunities in sledge hockey. To learn more about WSH please visit their web site at woolwichsledgehockey.com