Wolves will represent Ontario
Team is working hard to prepare for Special Olympics Winter Games in Thunder Bay
Practice, practice, practice. That’s what it’s going to take for the local men’s Special Olympic hockey team to win gold at the nationals.
“Positive thinking and confidence” will go a long way too, said Brandon Vansickle, 27.
The Peterborough Wolves are heading to the Special Olympics National Winter Games in Thunder Bay in February.
They’re competing under a different name though — they’re now Team Ontario.
The Peterborough crew are one of four Ontario floor hockey teams to attend. They beat Guelph in the provincials in May to advance.
Now they’re prepping for the Canadian title, practicing once a week at the former PCVS and using Trent University’s gym (free of charge) to train.
Vansickle, who has played floor hockey for about a decade, said the teams’ endurance has improved.
“We’re actually coming along as a team,” he said.
Like many Special Olympic athletes, Vansickle plays several sports. He’s been to the nationals and world games for soccer and is excited to see some familiar faces from other cities.
“It basically is a social gathering,” he said.
Although the athletes are friendly off the floor, make no mistake, Peterborough’s players are going for gold.
“Our goal for the nationals is to win gold and to make sure we’re doing what our coaches are telling us to do, which is practice, practice, practice.”
Fellow player Adam Gutherie, 41, is also confident in his team’s ability this year.
“We’re a lot stronger team this year so I think we have a huge chance of taking it in the nationals,” Gutherie said.
The 41-year-old has a history of competing at a high level. He’s been to the world games three times, for track and field and floor hockey. Another win on his side would be “amazing,” he said.
“I would be happy for the team and the coaches for training us hard,” Gutherie said.
The National Winter Games run from Feb. 24 to 29 and includes eight events overall, from curling to snowshoeing.
About 1,200 athletes, coaches and staff are expected to attend. The Wolves have three coaches on board: Head coach Ron Cambridge and assistant coaches Joan Moriarty and Andrew Snead.
In addition to the floor hockey team, three other local athletes are competing, too: Steve Cadan and Lisa Butler in skiing along with Crystal Cochrane in five-pin bowling.
The cost to compete isn’t cheap, though, which means the local athletes have some fundraising to do.
The team needs to raise about $25,000, which is about $1,400 a player. They’ve already held a bake sale, reached out to employers and teamed up with National Sports.
Athlete Michael Brioux, 25, is looking forward to more than just the games. “Having my family there to watch.”
NOTE: Donations can be sent to Special Olympics Peterborough, 171A Rink St., Suite 210, K9J 2J5. Cheques payable Special Olympics Peterborough National Games.