Spitfires display class during memorable day
We recently partnered with Ontario Blind Hockey and the Windsor Spitfires for a Try skate and hockey for clients and their families at the WFCU Centre.
I was blown away by the class, interest and enthusiasm shown by the entire Windsor Spitfires organization.
We had around 20 participants take the ice on Saturday with varying degrees of vision. The entire Spitfires coaching staff and lineup of players met with us for an hour the participants will never forget.
It started with the entire team on the bench and, as we stepped on the ice, the team went wild cheering for us all.
The team showed us patience, kindness and friendship. We passed pucks, skated alongside the players and even got an opportunity to take penalty shots on the goalies.
One of the best parts was when any of the participants scored, the team would erupt as if it was the game-winning goal in overtime of the Memorial Cup.
The participants got an opportunity to teach the coaching staff and team about what it is like living with a visual impairment, plus learn different rules for playing blind hockey. Each Spitfires player was genuinely interested and asked questions from the heart.
It was a great learning experience for the participants.
I was impressed most with the team and how they got involved with our visually impaired participants instead of shying away.
Best of all, the Spitfires players stayed on the ice the entire time with us and we thank you for that while preparing for a playoff run and nearing the end of a long season.
The day ended with the Spitfires generously donating tickets for all participants to attend that evening’s game. The entire Windsor Spitfires organization is first class.
A very special thank you from the CNIB, Ontario Blind Hockey and all of the participants. This was an hour all of us will never forget.
Ryan Hooey, program lead: advocacy and accessible community engagement
CNIB Foundation Ontario West