Kids, adults with disabilities play special hockey game

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — It was their moment and they made it memorable for all who watched.

Kids and adults with disabilities joined Caledonia and Forest Hills Central High School hockey teams for a special game Sunday at the Patterson Ice Center. A packed crowd cheered them on for their final game of the season.

The nonprofit West Michigan Special Hockey Association has 28 players, ranging from 5-year-olds to adults. The association’s head coach, Phil Raduazo, said the players have different developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.

The team practices every Sunday. Players from three different high schools and two colleges volunteer to help those with disabilities learn to play the sport. The association provides equipment, coaching and time on the ice to WMSHA players.

Karen Raduazo, WMSHA’s president, said the program is all about inclusion. It aims to give people with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy hockey.

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“A lot of our players never get the opportunity to really be a part of a team,” Raduazo said. “A lot of times they’re sitting in the stands as a bystander, and they don’t get the opportunity to participate.”

Phil Raduazo, Karen’s husband, said the group’s mission is to ensure a safe and fun environment where everyone can enjoy themselves and develop skills and social connections.

The team has marked Sunday on their calendars all year for the inaugural Patriot Cup. The game was aimed to be faster-paced as the group played alongside their volunteers, Caledonia and Forest Hills Central players.

“It’s been the best thing I could ask for, to be honest,” said Emily Springsdorf, who has played for WMSHA for nearly a decade. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.”

Sunday’s game stood out to Springsdorf as hundreds of friends, family and community members filled the arena.

“The first time in a long time I’ve seen that many people in the stands,” Springsdorf said. “To be able to hear that gave me a better sense of confidence to be able to play out there.”

By her side on the ice was Anthony Ott, a Forest Hills Central alum who now plays for Davenport University’s Hockey Team.

“No matter what the challenges are, you can really play hockey,” Ott said. “It really shows what people are overcoming and doing with their disabilities.”

“It really makes you emotional to see how happy they are doing what they love,” Ott added.

In net was Dakota Tomac, a Caledonia senior with cerebral palsy. He suited up in blue for his hometown Caledonia for his last game with WMSHA.

“For me it was extra special because I’ve been with him for almost ten years,” Springsdorf said.

Tomac didn’t let his teammates down as he made save after save. His finest moment came with the game tied and headed into a shootout. He made a clutch save and secured Caledonia the Patriot Cup.

“It was probably one of my favorite moments ever,” Springsdorf said. “I’m not kidding. It was probably my favorite moment.”

Organizers hope to make the Patriot Cup an annual tradition and bring it back with different high school teams next year.

“I think maybe even more schools should get involved,” said Emersen Lippert, a senior at Caledonia High School who played in the game. “There could be a tournament or multiple games. That’d be awesome and I think a lot of schools would like that.”

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