COLMAR, Pa. - The hockey season took a pause from regularly scheduled practices and games on Thursday, Oct. 24 as players and families from across the Atlantic Affiliate filled Hatfield Ice for Philadelphia Blind Hockey’s second Blindness Awareness Showcase. Organized as an opportunity to showcase one of the six disciplines of disabled hockey, the event was a testament to the collaborative camaraderie built in hockey rinks.

As part of the evening’s activities, teams were invited to play mini games under low vision stimulation. Local high school and adult teams, as well as the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors and Neumann University Men’s Club Team came out to the event. “Many people, I feel, are unaware that hockey and other sports can be adapted for athletes with disabilities,” explained Philadelphia Blind Hockey founder and leader Kelsey McGuire. “These showcases highlight how individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities can participate in competitive sports and challenge those stereotypes about their abilities.”

McGuire has been working hard, pounding the pavement and growing the organization into one of the largest blind hockey programs in the nation. Last year, the National Hockey League recognized her work and she was nominated for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. A major aspect of her efforts is helping her blind hockey players feel they are an integral part of the hockey community.

When asked about how her players feel seeing a building packed in support of their access to the game, McGuire explained it highlights one of the organization’s goals by “building a community and collaboration with those that are involved with the event, as well as promoting inclusion and empowerment to our players.”

But her work, and the Atlantic Affiliate’s complement of disabled hockey disciplines and advocacy, does not stop at the rink door. “Allowing these types of platforms such as showcases or other events such as the Sled Classic or the Blind Hockey Classic, even the National Championships, can serve for a change, not just in the world of sports but also in how society today views and includes people with disabilities.”

Philadelphia Blind Hockey had major supporters in the building, including the Flyers mascot Gritty. The greater hockey community continually shows up to lend a helping hand to grow the section of the game, and players of all abilities are invited to come and see what programs have to offer. “We always hold ‘Try Blind Hockey’ events to help introduce the sport to newcomers in a welcoming and low pressure environment with some of our coaches, volunteers and athletes,” said McGuire. “We also provide everything for free for our players so if there are players in the Atlantic Affiliate that have gently used hockey equipment, we are always looking for donations.”

To find out more about Philadelphia Blind Hockey and their upcoming try hockey events, visit their website.