The connection between the York University ice hockey team and the York Polar Bears goes back to its beginnings. Today, it is more pervasive than ever before.
York University coach Rick Guinan invited his club team to join the Polar Bears organization, which provides opportunities for children and youth with developmental disabilities to participate in hockey, shortly after it was founded in 2016. . The Polar Bears coach Spartan student-athletes throughout the year. Build strong bonds outside of sports.
On Sunday at York Ice Arena, the two organizations shared the ice for the third annual charity game. It was a heartwarming event for all participants.
“It's amazing to see the smiles on the kids' faces when they come off the ice and give us high fives,” Guinan said. “And after the game, they give you a big hug. It's very satisfying that we can use our sport to help others who have overcome big challenges. Masu.”
Funds raised from the game will be split 50-50 between both teams and will be used to support tournament costs, jerseys, equipment, ice time, and more. The 2023 games will raise a total of $15,000, and the organizations hope to surpass that number when final numbers are announced later this week.
At the beginning of each season, York University players register through the Polar Bears, and Spartans assistant coach Steve Wagner currently serves as the organization's president. This is to participate in practice and instruct the children. At each York University home game, a selected polar bear serves as the Spartans' honorary captain and joins the team in the locker room and on the ice before the game.
“As soon as I saw that organization (in 2016), I knew I absolutely needed to get involved with the college athletes who coach and support polar bear cubs,” Guinan said. “There are so many great life lessons that can be learned through participation, and it's good for both parties. It teaches our children how lucky we are and what challenges others face. , and how you have to endure, it really makes you think about using the game to give back to the community.”
When you ask Nathan Bass, the youngest member of the Polar Bears, to name his favorite hockey team, his answer is York University. And his favorite player is junior left winger Evan Kayes, who has become like an older brother to him through his years of coaching. Bass and his family traveled to watch the Kays play not only with the Spartans, but also in the Maryland men's league.
And when York University left for the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League tournament in Winston-Salem, N.C., in late February, the bus had a box full of snack bags filled by Bass' family. Nathan also left a handwritten message.
“Whatever we're doing, we're making a difference. That's why we're doing it,” Guinan said.
The Polar Bears have grown enough to support two separate teams this year. One for advanced players and one for beginners, allowing players of different abilities to work on different skills. On Sunday, both rosters were littered with skaters of all levels, including players from York University.
“We gave them opportunities to score during the game, gave them the puck and tried to help them all day long,” Guinan said.
Being a club team rather than a national team presents many challenges for the Spartans. Ice hockey practices are scheduled around the players' classes, rather than the other way around. During the winter months, the team takes a long break while students are off campus. Games and weekly practices are sometimes held as late as 9 or 10 p.m., as the Spartans are able to rent out the rink. It's an expensive sport and takes up a lot of your time on top of being a college student.
But as long as the Polar Bears' practices don't conflict with games, at least a few Spartans players should be willing to take the time to help out.
“Once they go the first time, you don't have to twist their arm to show up again,” Guinan said.
Guinan, who has been a high school teacher and athletic trainer for 37 years, will retire from both Central York High School and York College this summer. Wagner will also be leaving the Spartans' hockey program. But there is no doubt that their partnership will continue for years to come.
“It's really, really great to be able to make those connections and make the relationships work,” Guinan said.
