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The Captains and their Coach: Coach Ken Ross and a couple of his amazing players, November 27, 2022. Photo Courtesy: Gavin Fanelli
By: Gavin Faneli, Staff Writer
Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut there is a hockey program called Southern CT Storm Special Hockey which was founded in 2006 nationwide. The hockey program offers children from the age of five through young adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play ice hockey.
The program is geared from a therapeutic approach which teaches skating and hockey skills and also gives players the opportunity to play a team sport.
Parent Pamela Sheppard states, “The community here is wonderful and the coaches are so dedicated.”
Volunteer adult coaches and teen mentors manage the practices, games and tournaments. The games and tournaments give the players a chance to play against other teams in the tri-state and surrounding areas. All volunteers and coaches are required to have background checks and child safety training provided by The American Special Hockey Association.
Brandon Piandello, Captain of the CT Storm, has been involved in the program since 2008. Brandon states, “I enjoy helping the players, and meeting others who come out to support the special needs program.”
Goals of the program include fostering friendships, self-reliance, confidence, focus, hockey skating and stickhandling skills along with teamwork experiences for both the player and the families involved.
Carlo Tomasio, captain and goaltender says, “My favorite part of the program is meeting new kids, and helping the new kids that join the team learn positions of the game. We do a great job helping with the learning process by getting there step by step.”
Overall, the program hopes to incorporate individual life skills for each player at all age levels. Through their hard work and dedication, each player is gaining the confidence to try many new things.
Coach Ken Ross has been coaching for the CT Storm for eight seasons. He explains, “The program strives to teach the kids, build in some exercise, have fun, and add some camaraderie. The best part of coaching in this program is the pride I feel when a child has accomplished something on the ice.”
As the players hit the ice their smiles are seen from afar as they challenge themselves and their teammates to do their best to gain skills that they will carry with them off the ice.
The CT Storm Special Hockey program gives kids and young adults with disabilities a chance to flourish.
The season runs from October through March consisting of weekly Sunday afternoon practices, games and tournaments. Practice is held at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport CT.
The teams consist of two levels; beginner and intermediate. Prior skating experience is not required. All are welcome.
