NJ Daredevils to Play NJ State Police in 2nd Annual Charity Game
Mar. 15, 2008



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To celebrate and honor March as National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Month, the New Jersey Daredevils Special Hockey Team along with the New Jersey State Police have announced plans for their second annual charity hockey game and silent auction to be held Saturday, March 22, 2:00pm, at Richard J. Cody Arena in West Orange. Proceeds from the event will go to the team, which is comprised of more than fifty players with DD, ages five through adult.

The Daredevils are enjoying their sixth season and are part of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA), an organization sanctioned by USA Hockey. ASHA provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in the sport of ice hockey in a specially-adapted learning environment. The Daredevils field three teams and operate as part of the New Jersey Devils Youth Hockey Club (NJDYHC).

"The Daredevils and ASHA help disabled children and adults to develop characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance and confidence through their participating in hockey," said Mike Hickey, ASHA president. "I'm proud to say that we have nearly 60 ASHA teams in existence across the nation."

In addition to the game, the team will hold a silent auction comprised of signed sports and entertainment memorabilia. A handful of special guests will also be in attendance. All of the proceeds from this event will go towards funding team travel as well as local camps and clinics.
Admission is $5 per person. The Daredevils are also accepting donations. Those who would like to make a financial donation or have memorabilia to donate should call 914-325-7611.

Today, there are more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. living with DD - from Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, to mental retardation and a host of neurological disorders. Unfortunately, New Jersey leads the nation in one of the most well-known forms of DD: Autism. According to a recent study, 1 in 94 children living in New Jersey have Autism.