WAYNE, N.J. - The East Coast Jumbos and the Jersey Hitmen went head to head Saturday during the Special Hockey Classic at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne. 

The USA Hockey Special Classic is an annual event celebrating the special hockey discipline, bringing together players and teams from all over the country. Special hockey gives people with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability. 

Based out of Massachusetts, the East Coast Jumbos is a not-for-profit hockey organization serving athletes with autism and other developmental disabilities. The team has a higher skill level than others in their discipline, making it difficult to find teams to be competitive against. As such, Special Hockey Rep. Alex DePalma organized a game between the East Coast Jumbos and the Ice Vault’s home team: the Jersey Hitmen. 

After competing against each other, coaches merged teams, having players from each swap sides. On the ice, players worked well together and challenged their teammates, resulting in a lively and entertaining matchup, despite the difference in skill level.

On the bench, names, hometowns, and hockey origin stories were shared among players. “Any time I’m on the ice, I’m having fun,” explained Jack Swenson of the East Coast Jumbos. “It’s just good to get out [and play] with as many people as you can.” 

His teammate, Thomas Tamasanis, agreed, explaining “it’s great to have an opportunity to travel to different states and countries to play against teams like this.” 

Ryan Shea of the Jersey Hitmen noted that the “team aspect [and] the comradery,” is what makes hockey such a unique sport. 

A sentiment that rings true beyond the ice. The annual Special Hockey Classic has been bringing players together since 2018. “They’ve been playing against each other for so many years now that sometimes, it’s not even about hockey,” explained USA Hockey Special Hockey Rep. Alex DePalma, “it’s about the comradery [and] getting to see each other every year.”