On February 19, members of the Gonzaga Exceptional Bulldogs Hockey team held a scrimmage during halftime of the Spoke Chiefs game. Playing for about 10 minutes, the team showed off their hockey skills to a cheering arena.
Gonzaga Exceptional Bulldogs hockey team is part of the American Special Hockey Association. Boys and girls aged three thru 21 with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are encouraged to participate under the belief that “hockey is for everyone.”
Mark Derby, Ph.D., is professor of special education at Gonzaga’s School of Education and the coach of the Gonzaga Exceptional Bulldogs Hockey team. In fact, Derby played hockey for over twenty years. His students volunteer to participate in hockey practices every Friday, which gives them an opportunity to practice what they’re learning outside of the classroom.
“It’s very rewarding for the kids,” said Derby. “I think one of the big things that the parents talk about with the kids is that they can have a niche that’s theirs. One of the things about growing up and being an adolescent and being a kid is that you’ve got to have something that you’re connected to, that’s yours. We provide these kids to have something that’s theirs.”
Benefits of hockey for people with disabilities are great. Caregivers and parents notice improvements in communication, social relationships and behavior. The program encourages each individual to develop personal skills such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration, accountability and willingness to share, to name a few.
The Gonzaga Exceptional Bulldogs partner with Gonzaga University, the Spokane Youth Hockey Association and the Spokane Parks Department to provide an enriching and exciting experience for all participants.
Derby has plans for the team to grow and continue to provide a place for all participants to enjoy themselves. “Having this opportunity to watch kids experience sheer enjoyment and togetherness, along with being able to watch the college students interact with them…is more rewarding than I could’ve imagined.”
Check out the photos below from the February 19th game!
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