NHL Creates Special Relationship With ASHA

PHOTO CAPTION:
Chris Drury clinic with the Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey team

By Amy Gostkowski
USA Hockey Magazine

Chris Drury has registered 338 assists in the NHL, but none bigger than the one he provided to the Southern Connecticut Storm.
The Trumbull, Conn., native recently invited members of the special hockey team to be his guests at the Rangers Practice Facility 
for a private camp. 
The Storm are one of 50 special hockey programs that have popped up around the country since the American Special Hockey Association was formed in 2005.
One key to ASHA’s growth has been its ability to join forces with several NHL teams and players, such as Drury. It’s latest step 
has been to join the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, which works to provide support to organizations offering people of varying backgrounds the chance to play hockey.
ASHA, along with USA Hockey, has been working to create opportunities for people with physical and mental disabilities to learn 
the game of hockey. Members of ASHA programs range from those with autism and Down syndrome to cerebral palsy. 
ASHA President Mike Hickey acknowledged that at first there was apprehension in starting a special needs program involving skates, sticks and flying pucks. However, the programs have proved to be a safe, fun and therapeutic for the participants, encouraging self-confidence, team play and skill development.
“I’ve played hockey nearly all my life,” Hickey said, “and it’s nice to see hockey give back.”
In addition to Drury’s personal involvement, NHL clubs including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks have been supportive of their local ASHA programs. 
Inviting ASHA under the NHL umbrella seemed like the next logical step, said Rob Wooley, NHL’s manager of cause marketing.
With the help of the NHL, ASHA will be able to spread the word to potential volunteers and participants and help these programs grow. 
“We like to combine our programs to help each other out,” Hickey said. “They’re [NHL] using our programs to get their guys in the community … and we get a little louder voice.”
That voice also includes help with sponsorship and grants to keep special hockey programs running. But more than that, it’s the impact it makes on the players.
“For most of the players, having Chris teach, play and skate with them allowed them to show off the skills they have been learning at Storm Hockey, and push themselves even further to show Chris just what they can do,” said Deb McQuilkin, ASHA secretary and president of the Storm.
“Just taking the time to come and skate at a team practice and say ‘Hi, great job’ is a huge confidence builder.”