Every Sunday morning, the Max Bell Centre fills with hockey players from 8:30 to 10 a.m. There is a lot of action going on at once — it’s not the stereotypical hockey practice.
Some players are just learning to skate. Others skate around but don’t touch the puck. Some stickhandle, shoot and skate with ease.
Some have physical or cognitive disabilities. Many are on the autism spectrum. No two players have the same circumstances, which is why adapted sports are so amazing.
The Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS Hockey) runs the SUPERHEROS hockey program, mainly for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, providing them with an opportunity to play and be part of a team. The organization will host a tournament over Easter weekend at the Max Bell Centre.
“When people say hockey is for everyone, this is what they mean,” said HEROS Hockey executive director Kevin Hodgson.
Mike Kelm has two sons who play with SUPERHEROS. Noah is 21 and a goalie. Ty is 16.
“The first time they were on the ice together, my wife and I were in tears, just overcome with emotions,” Kelm said.
Hockey, and sports in general can teach people life lessons, build friendships, and make memories that last a lifetime.
“If it was not for HEROS, Noah would not be able to play hockey,” Kelm said.
“Noah considers his teammates and coaches his own family.”
But HEROS Hockey isn’t really about hockey, says Hodgson. “It’s more about building community and making sure our players feel safe and we keep them coming back every week.”
Last year, the SUPERHEROS attended a tournament hosted in Ottawa, where they got the idea to host their own event.
“We went to Ottawa, we had about 15 players, and they had a great time,” Hodgson said. “However, when you’re a parent of a child with a disability, you’re sometimes unaware of what your child can or cannot do, so a lot of parents were hesitant to come.”
The event in March will include teams from Calgary, Edmonton, Regina and Winnipeg.
“It’s going to be amazing to have our kids connect with kids from other cities and have families be together,” said volunteer Rob Kerr.
A big part of adapted sports is a community. For some kids, being surrounded by people going through the same things as you can improve social skills.
“A big part of it is routine, and we always want to make the kids as comfortable as possible,” Kerr said.
HEROS Hockey has many ambassadors, including Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz. They also partner with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. Hitmen, Wranglers and Flames players often hit the ice with the kids.
“We have great volunteers,” Hodgson said. “The feedback we have received from parents regarding the coaches has been awesome.
“Our players love our volunteers.”
HEROS has enough players for two one-hour-long ice times every Sunday at Max Bell, but they are always looking for new athletes who want to play.
“We’ve reached out to other adapted sports programs,” Hodgson said. “Blind hockey, sled hockey, we’re always open for new players.”
Kerr loves to stand back every Sunday and watch the magic unfold.
“What stands out is the look on the kid’s faces while they are playing, and they get to feel the joy of competing against each other.”
