Chicago Steel player Tobias Orman celebrates with his new buddy, Markland resident Mike K., during a special floor hockey game at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva, Tuesday, April 2. . The team volunteered to play indoor games with residents as special volunteers. lunar activities.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Members of the Chicago Steel hockey team visited residents of Markland's Hyde Center campus in Geneva on Tuesday, April 2, and took to the ice to play an exuberant game of Markland-style hockey. I enjoyed my time there.
Markland is a nonprofit organization that provides housing, treatment, and educational services to people with severe developmental disabilities.
Chicago Steel goaltender Quentin Sigurdsson offered Scott a helping hand during a floor hockey game on April 2 at the Markland Hyde Center in Geneva.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
In this special volunteer activity, professional hockey players were paired with residents in wheelchairs to play indoor hockey using plastic hockey sticks and foam pucks.
Under the guidance of Markland Recreation Therapist Wes Kochan, the team learned the process of getting to know residents and how to best assist them.
Chicago Steel forward Michael Emerson cheers during a floor hockey game at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Despite the heated competition, everyone had a lot of fun.
The team also presented Marklund with 100 teddy bears and other stuffed animals collected during the team's recent Teddy Bear Toss donation drive at home games.
“We love it when groups like Chicago Steel come to Markland to meet new friends and learn about our organization,” said Nikki Osterloh, Volunteer Engagement Manager. “This was especially special because we are celebrating National Volunteer Month this month, and we were grateful that they came out to volunteer over the holidays.”
Chicago Steel defenseman Thor Byfuglien assists Rosie during a floor hockey game at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva on April 2.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Marklund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving infants, children, teens, and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities and special medical needs.
There are three residential locations: Markland Hyde Center in Geneva, Markland Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and Markland Wasmond Center in Elgin.
For more information, visit www.marklund.org or facebook.com/MarklundCharity/.
Jesus received an assist from Chicago Steel goaltender Luca Cloutier during a special floor hockey game on April 2 at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Chicago Steel forward Grayden Slipek helps out with a hockey stick in his kit during a special floor hockey game at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva on April 2.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Chicago Steel forwards Anthony Cardilli and George F. prepare to compete in a special floor hockey game on April 2 at the Markland Hyde Center in Geneva.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
Markland residents and Chicago Steel players prepare for floor hockey at Markland's Hyde Center in Geneva on April 2.
Courtesy of Sam Payton
