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Proving once again that hockey is for everyone, the Colorado Youth Sled Hockey Team (aka, Jr Avs) played a great game for us on Saturday, with fast paced action, and a whole lot of smiles! Founded in 1995 and sponsored by the Colorado Avalanche, the sled hockey association is dedicated to providing a competitive environment in order to foster independence and community through hockey for youth with disabilities. These athletes define the term resilient, as they overcome obstacles to play the game they love. Taking the ice with them, the Littleton Hawks U11 team strapped on sleds for the first time and hit the ice with smiles and a joyful sense of competition. Dawg Nation’s own, Hunter Murphy, a recent recipient and undergoing his own heroic battle with cancer, is team captain for the Hawks, and took to the sled with enthusiasm. The Colorado Jr. Avs’ own Knox Hebert, a young athlete to watch, scored to put the team in the lead, which they held throughout. There was banter and laughter across the rink as these young athletes played with all heart and flew down the ice. The crowd cheered wildly with each goal scored! In the end, it was the Colorado Jr Avs Sled Team who came out with the win, 3-0. It was a great experience and a great game for all. As Hunter said, “It was really cool to see how kids with disabilities play the game.” Hunter and his teammates on the Hawks found it more challenging than they expected. He added “I think it’s really cool to see how other people see the world and how they play sports. I love that Dawg Nation, JP, and Knox Hebert gave me a chance to play sled hockey.” And Hunter’s mom, Heather Torbit, added “Having hockey taken away when it was so much a part of his heart and soul was an additional crushing reality to his cancer diagnosis. Getting involved with Dawg Nation gave Hunter the ability to see that hockey is something he’ll never have to give up. Watching my son play, with his teammates, is immeasurable in its impact. His competitive spirit and joy came back tenfold and now he can’t wait to do it again!”
A big thank you to our incredible sled hockey players, each and every one of you are star athletes in our eyes!
