PARTICIPATION NOW Inclusion & Accessibility: How ASHA is Growing The Game By Jen O’Brien Executive Director, American Special Hockey Association Four years ago the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA)
Association, through a partnership, has helped ASHA with resources
had 50 Member Clubs across the United States. The organization
for equipment and shipping to help grow the game. Over the past
serves hockey clubs that welcome individuals with intellectual and
three years, Bauer Hockey has partnered with ASHA through its
developmental disabilities into the sport with a focus on the social,
#BauerGivesBack program. More than 50,000 items have been
health and well-being benefits for the athletes. Goals are achieved
donated, ensuring that players of all abilities can get into the game
in ASHA and everyone cheers for the score.
where access to equipment had once prevented them.
The love for the sport is contagious in special hockey. Core to the
In 2020, the gift of the game was shared with more than 130
organization’s founding principles is the belief that every player
different organizations that support underserved communities
can achieve goals through the sport of hockey. For some that is
through the sport of hockey, not only special hockey. Through
simply coming to the rink and trying on their first pair of skates,
this partnership, ASHA has been able to expand its connection
while other athletes grew up at the rink watching their siblings play
to the hockey community with every box its volunteers pack to
and now have a team which welcomes their abilities. No matter
share with others.
their experience or ability, ASHA finds a way to ensure that every athlete can play.
“At Bauer, we are passionate about growing the game and making it more inclusive,” said Julie King, Bauer Hockey Senior Manager
“Hockey is for everyone and the growth and success of ASHA is
Community Development. “We believe that hockey is a sport
proof of that,” said Peter Robinson, Board President of ASHA. “While
everyone can enjoy one way or another. It’s an absolute privilege
getting on the ice and playing the sport is a huge benefit for the
to work alongside ASHA to introduce and support players who love
athletes and their families, it’s the community that they are joining
the sport just as much as we do.”
that is the true magic. Having a place where you can grow your social network and make new friends is what ASHA is all about and that is made possible by all of the amazing volunteers and partners we have that support our mission.”
Supporting Game Changers The San Diego Gulls Special Hockey Team hit the ice for their
Thanks to the support of many NHL teams such as the Washington
first season last year and they
Capitals, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils,
have grown quickly from just a
Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes and San
few athletes to welcoming new
Jose Sharks and American Hockey League (AHL) teams such as the
players often. Ralph Silverman,
San Diego Gulls and Binghamton Devils, awareness about special
the coach of the Gulls, worked
hockey and ASHA has grown. The support and increased awareness
hard to ensure that each one
has led ASHA to nearly doubling in size. ASHA now supports more
of his players had the gear they
than 110 Special Hockey Programs across the United States, serving
needed to safely participate, but
more than 5,000 registrants, and supports a number of affiliated
one player in particular named
communities in Canada.
Jake needed a specialty skate
“It’s important that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the same opportunities to access the game of hockey as everyone else,” said Jeff Scott, NHL Vice President of Community
size. Silverman connected to the “A SHAre” equipment program at ASHA, and they were able to locate the needed skates for Jake, so he could join his teammates out onto the ice.
Development & Growth. “Our valued partnership with ASHA remains
“Being able to connect to much-needed equipment gives our
committed to supporting and uplifting the voices of the athletes,
athletes the chance to really thrive in our program,” Silverman
families and volunteers who love hockey as much as we do.”
said. “ASHA’s support, and the generosity of Bauer Hockey and the
The National Sporting Goods Association and Hockey Dealers
NSGA, is a real game-changer for new teams like ours.”
18 | NSGA NOW ®
>> May/June 2021
