USA Hockey Foundation

Tom Smith thought he would never play hockey again. After suffering a spinal cord injury playing junior hockey, he turned his efforts to preventing injuries like his own, forming a non-profit foundation called the Look-Up Line.

But at this year’s USA Hockey Disabled Festival in Marlborough, Mass., he put himself into a sled and onto the ice for the first time since 2008.

“You could see the smile on his face. It was like he was back again,” said JJ O’Connor, chairman of the disabled section at USA Hockey. “To watch a player transform in front of your eyes and realize that they can do this, it’s incredible.”

O’Connor said Smith’s story is just one example of the impact the yearly USA Hockey Disabled Festival has. Reaching a milestone 10th Anniversary this year, the festival focuses on the four disabled disciplines represented by the USA Hockey Disabled Section: sled, special, amputee and hearing impaired.

None of it would be made possible without the USA Hockey Foundation and its donors.

USA Hockey Foundation donors have played an important role in the festival since its inception 10 years ago. Each year, $25,000 is granted to the festival, which helps defray the total cost of the weekend. Once the festival is complete, the USA Hockey Foundation continues to give back, donating net proceeds to promoting disabled hockey in the host community.

“I can’t be more appreciative for all that the USA Hockey Foundation has contributed to allow us to enjoy the game we love,” said O’Connor. “There aren’t too many governing bodies that even include disabled athletes as part of its mission so we are always grateful.”

With the festival, athletes from across the U.S. have the chance to compete on the ice with those most similar to them. But it’s even more than just a source of competition – it’s a source of camaraderie.

“It’s people with disabilities, showcasing their abilities,” O’Connor said. “It’s a social environment and opens up people’s eyes who are both participating and who aren’t.

“When you look at these players you realize how tremendous they really are.”

This year the Disabled Festival brought 55 teams to the ice – the most in the festival’s history. For old and new players and fans alike, the excitement is unparalleled.  

“When I do find new players, I invite them (to the Disabled Festival) and I can tell you, it’s life changing,” said Karen Wonoski, who has been managing the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association team for eight years. “Many of them have never seen anything like it and they probably won’t.

“It’s amazing to be a part of.”

Although the hearing impaired represents the smallest of the four disciplines, Wonoski said just competing in this festival helps raise awareness and recruit more members for the team.

“Once they see what it’s all about, they are hooked,” she added. “They love being around the game and with coaches who know how to work with them. And for our players, they see all these other disabilities and might realize it’s not so bad.

“You don’t let it hold you back.”

And thanks to help from the USA Hockey Foundation and its donors, none of these players were held back from participating.

“I don’t think you could put into words the amount of help and opportunity this has provided for people,” said O’Connor. “I am eternally grateful.”

For more information on the USA Hockey Disabled Festival or disabled hockey, visit their website.