Blind and low vision kids from the Saskatoon area had the opportunity to experience skating on the ice at Merlis Belsher Place and blind hockey for the first time on Monday. Former Huskies defenseman and current medical school student Quinton Ong led the kids on a tour of the arena including rare access to the men’s and women’s team locker rooms and lounges, and the always popular picture on the zamboni. After the tour, the kids got to put on their skates and helmet and try blind hockey. For some it was their very first time. “It was really hard,” said Harley, who is a competitive Brazilian jiu jitsu and wrestling athlete. “It was hard on my feet, but after a while I got the hang of it.” With the help of the Huskies hockey players, kids with varying levels of skating experience got tips and encouragement for skating, shooting and even celebrating when they score. “I got lucky today with sort of a multi-sport kind of a kid,” said Keaton Sorensen, fourth-year Huskies forward. “But it was quite easy, I think they’re all real good listeners out there, and they made it easy for us.” In blind hockey, the main difference is the larger, noise-making puck that rattles and makes noise so players can track the puck on the ice. Teams must complete a pass in the offensive zone before they are allowed to try and score. Huskies players say it offers a unique and interesting challenge for athletes. “It’s cool to see a different perspective of the game and how easy it is just to make them smile and how much fun they’re having out there,” said Carter Stebbings who is in his fifth and final season with the Huskies. The event also serves as a recruiting tool for Saskatoon’s only blind hockey group, the Puck Bandits. While there are more than 7,000 registered athletes in Saskatoon Minor Hockey, there are far fewer options for kids who are blind or have low vision to participate in hockey. First-year Huskie forward Logan Pickford says he understands the importance of being part of a team. “It’s quite rewarding,” he said. “Seeing how they don’t maybe have as many opportunities as other people and seeing them smile and really enjoy the game, it’s pretty cool.” The Saskatoon Blind Hockey Puck Bandits meet for practise each Sunday at Merlis Belsher Place, and they’re looking for more athletes to join the team.
