WNY Special Hockey Association Inc

In 2008, after finding that the closest ice hockey team for individuals with special needs was in Rochester, it was decided that Buffalo and the WNY area needed their own team. Ice was secured, and our first practice was held on October 5, 2008! We began our first season with 15 eager players (14 male and 1 female) ages 10 through 30. Now preparing for the start of our 17th season with over 40 active players, we have two coed teams, practice every Sunday from September through April, and participate in scrimmages and tournaments throughout the year. We hold our own tournament, the Coach Mike Steffan Invitational, at LECOM HarborCenter in November and play other teams with special needs from the U.S. and Canada.

To provide individuals with special needs and developmental delays the unique opportunity to play ice hockey on a registered team. Emphasis will be placed on skating, hockey drills, and game strategies adapted as needed in a fun and safe environment. Regular practices, scrimmages, and tournaments are meant to encourage physical and social growth by building confidence, friendships, and independence, while promoting community awareness and inclusion for all individual with disabilities.