Mission
The goal of Special Hockey is to give people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of Ice Hockey
in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability which the athletes are able to participate.
Special Hockey exists for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. In addition to physical hockey skills,
the program emphasizes the development of desirable individual characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration,
willingness to share and personal accountability. The game of hockey is used by Special Hockey to develop within each player the
characteristics that will help the player to be more successful both inside and outside a hockey environment.
Program
CCYHA is dedicated to the first class development of youth hockey players in the area. CCYHA has vast experience
managing youth hockey programs at several levels of play. To ensure the successful implementation of this program and
to provide great resources to all players involved, CCYHA has assured that there is great experience and skill behind
our managing and coaching of our program. Kelly and Mike Good bring over 5 years of coaching Special Hockey experience
from the St. Catharines CYO Heat and Gateway Locomotives, respectively. Kelly also has a Special Education certification
and has over 4 years experience as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant.
In Columbus
This is the first hockey team for people with developmental disabilities in the Columbus Area. The
team has been named the CCYHA Columbus Blue Jackets and is chartered under the Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association
(CCYHA). The team has also received tremendous support from the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets and the
Blue Jackets Foundation.
The team first began practicing in 2007. Since it's formation, the team has had the opportunity to take part in some
very exciting events, including participation in the "Future Jackets" intermission skate at Blue Jackets games, the
2008 Special Hockey International tournament in Toronto, ON, and the 2009 U.S. Disabled Hockey Festival.
History of Special Hockey
Special Hockey has been around since 1970 when Pat Flick in Grandravine noticed a boy having a developmentally
disability always coming out to the rink to watch his brother play. With two players and some ice from the Grandravine
Athletic Association, special hockey was born. From there, the first U.S. team was started in St. Louis in 1994 and
now there are over 20 teams nationally and over 30 internationally.
Who Can Join?
The program is open to any player age five or older, male or female, who is physically able to play, but would be
unable to participate in any other organized program due to his or her developmental disability. Participants do not need
prior ice skating skills.
Where to register?
Registration can be done on-line at http://ccyha.org
Questions
If you have any question, email Mike Good at mike_ggood@yahoo.com
