Developmentally Disabled Players from Five States Heat Up the Ice This Summer
Aug. 25, 2008





Victor Calise speaks to ASHA campers


In July, 75 developmentally disabled players from five states converged on Union Sports Arena in Union, NJ, for the Second Annual American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) Regional Summer Camp. The camp was free and was comprised of children and adults from Special Hockey teams from throughout the Northeast and served to help them advance their skills, have fun and make new friends.

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.

Today, there are more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. living with developmental disabilities – 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 Centers for Disease Control study, 1 in 94 children living in New Jersey have Autism.

So, it made sense for the camp to be held in New Jersey. In fact, the New Jersey Daredevils – one of the largest ASHA organizations in the U.S. with three teams and more than 50 players – hosted the camp. The camp was jointly sponsored by USA Hockey Disabled Section and the Daredevils.

“We had such a great time with this program and it shows the positive impact hosting such an event at our facility can have on our local community,” said Ken Anderson, general manager of the Union Sports Arena.

In total, 9 ASHA programs were represented at the camp: Albany Cougars, Boston Bear Cubs, Bucks County (PA) Admirals, Southern Connecticut Storm, Long Island Blues, New Jersey Daredevils, New York Raptors, Philadelphia Fearless Flyers and Rochester Ice Cats.

“It’s always great to see the everyone come together at events like these to enjoy the kinship and socialization that our brand of the sport provides,” said Tom Simmons, head coach of the Ice Cats. “Everyone work hard and sharpened their skills, but the most important thing was that it was fun and new friends were made.”

“What a great event. The team of on ice and off ice volunteers was absolutely amazing. I am very grateful for the invitation and am honored to have been a part of such a terrific event,” said Jeff Engborg, Storm coach. “I learned many things and have once again raised my expectations and goals for our team after observing the others.”


The camp included on-ice and off ice training and a handful of special guests including: Victor Calise, a member of the 1998 U.S. Paralympic hockey team; and Bill Corbo, Jr., USA Hockey Coach in Chief for the New England District and assistant coach of the current USA Hockey Men’s Sled Hockey National team.

Both men spoke about the importance of Disabled Hockey and the role hockey, sled hockey in particular, has played in their lives.

“Never, ever give up. No matter what you choose to do. Just work hard, try hard and do it to the best of your ability. It’s the same with hockey,” said Calise. “I look at it this way…There’s hockey and then there’s everything else.”

Corbo, who jumped onto the ice to run a goalie boot camp, told the group how impressed he was with their effort on Day Two.

“What you’ve shown me is that there’s no let up in the way you approach the game. Every time I meet someone in one of the USA Hockey Disabled disciplines, I learn something, explained Corbo. “This is an experience every coach should have.”

For more information about a team, camp or tournament in your area, visit americanspecialhockey.com.


Photo credits: Northlight Photography