CASCADES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — It was their moment, and they made it memorable for everyone who saw it.
Athletes and adults with disabilities joined Caledonia High School and Forest Hills Central High School hockey teams for a special game Sunday at the Patterson Ice Center. A packed crowd cheered for the final game of the season.
non-profit organization Western Michigan Special Hockey Association 28 players will participate, ranging from 5 years old to adults. Phil Raduazo, the association's head coach, said the players have a variety of developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.
The team practices every Sunday. Athletes from three different high schools and his two colleges volunteer to help people with disabilities learn the sport. The association provides equipment, coaching and on-ice time to WMSHA players.
WMSHA President Karen Raduazo said the program is all about inclusion. The aim is to give people with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy hockey.
“A lot of our players never really get a chance to be part of a team,” Laduaso said. “A lot of times they're sitting in the stands on the sidelines and not being given the opportunity to play.”
Karen's husband, Phil Raduazo, said the group's mission is to ensure a safe and fun environment where everyone can have fun and develop skills and social connections.
Throughout the year, the team has scheduled the first Patriot Cup on a Sunday. This match was intended to be played at a faster pace as the group played alongside players from Volunteer Caledonia and Forest Hills Central.
“Honestly, that was the best thing I could have asked for,” said Emily Springsdorf, who has played at WMSHA for nearly 10 years. “It was one of the best experiences I've had in a long time.”
Sunday's game was a standout for Springsdorf, with hundreds of friends, family and community members filling the arena.
“I haven't seen this many people in the stands in a long time,” Springsdorf said. “Hearing that gave me even more confidence that I could play there.”
Next to her on the ice was Anthony Ott, a Forest Hills Central graduate who currently plays on the Davenport University hockey team.
“No matter the challenges, you can really play hockey,” Ott said. “This really shows how people are overcoming obstacles.”
“It's really moving to see them happy doing what they love,” Ott added.
On the internet was Dakota Tomac, a Caledonia senior who has cerebral palsy. In his final game against WMSHA, he wore a blue suit, a nod to his hometown of Caledonia.
“It was special for me because I've been with him for almost 10 years,” Springsdorf said.
Tomac made save after save and did not let his teammates down. His best moment came when the game was tied and went into a shootout. He made clutch saves to give Caledonia the Patriot Cup championship.
“It was probably one of my favorite moments of all time,” Springsdorf said. “I'm not kidding. That was probably my favorite moment.”
Organizers hope to make the Patriot Cup an annual tradition and bring it back next year with different high school teams.
“I think more schools should probably participate,” said Emersen Lippert, a Caledonia High School senior who played in the game. “There could be a tournament or multiple games. That would be great and I think a lot of schools would like that.”
