GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The high school hockey season may be over, but a special game was played Sunday at Patterson Ice Arena.
“I'm really excited right now,” said Caledonia senior Dakota Tomac.
Remi Monaghan
Caledonia senior Dakota Tomac has been helping plan the day for more than six months.
“He's wanted to be in a game with our Volunteers ever since they started supporting us (Caledonia, Forest Hills Central). He knew this game was going to happen. But before I knew it,” Angel Tomac said.
Normally, the West Michigan Special Hockey Association plays intrasquad games, but for the first time they were finally able to take the ice with Forest Hills Central and Caledonia in a Patriots Cup game.
Phil Laduaso is the Patriots' coach and his son Andy also plays for the team.
“It's great to see the kids' faces when they go out. When they score for the first time, something sparks inside them and you can see they really enjoy it.” Phil Raduazo said.
The Patriots are a hockey team for athletes ages 5 to 35 with intellectual disabilities who would otherwise be unable to play hockey. Cup games were not only a fun way for the Patriots to play in a more competitive environment, but they also raised money for the organization.
“We make it free for everyone to play, so we provide all equipment and all ice time for free, so there are no registration fees from teams. We really want to maintain our commitment to continuing to provide free programs to children,” Phil said.
FHC and California played today with several Patriots players on both teams, usually high school students helping teach the Patriots the fundamentals of hockey.
Remi Monaghan
“Almost every weekend, we spend an hour and a half out there helping them. Some of them can't skate, so we help push them around. And… Some of the better players, we just work with them and help them pass, shoot and play hockey,” Forest Hills Central senior Ryan Sutherland said. Ta.
Although this was the Patriots' last game of the season, the Patriots and on-ice volunteers are looking to make this Patriot Cup game an annual tradition as the organization enters its 10th year.
“I think it's fun to get them on the ice. It's fun to watch them play because I think everyone deserves to play hockey,” Sutherland said.
If you are interested in learning more about the Patriots, donating to the team, or registering for next season, click here.
For West Michigan high school sports scores, highlights and the latest news, visit: FOX 17 Blitz Page.
Follow FOX 17 Blitz on social media. Facebook – X (old Twitter)
