I want to apoligize to all our visitors at this web site for my lack of up-dating information!!!
The Rochester Ice Cats, members of Special Hockey International - a division of USA
Hockey; is an organization that specializes in providing training in the game of ice hockey for individuals with developmental
disabilities.
The Rochester Ice Cats organization has an active roster of 38 players. These individuals, both male and female,
range in age from 8 years to 40 years young. They are enthusiastic and enjoyable to be associated with with smiles galore. They
give 100% at all times, during both practice and games, and are always willing and able to learn new skills.Our team is geared
to individual needs with an emphasis on sportsmanship and learning to interact with others. We are a not for profit
volunteer organization, with support coming from all our families, both as coaches, trainers, drivers and most of all fans.
One of our goals is to keep all cost to a minimum, with the expectations that all players will by responsibile for their
$65.00 fee to join USA Hockey. The Rochester Ice Cat organization supplies equipment for those in need, this is done
through donations both from the publice and private sector.
2008-2009 SEASON
THANK YOU MAIRE C. & JOSEPH C. WILSON FOUNDATION for the grant we received this year. This will enable
us to attend more tournaments and help defray the cost of running the team.
So far we have had several games against the local high schools, all ending with a shoot-out or a tie. Pizza and
pop afterwards makes for great social times, and the smiles on everyone faces is a bonus reward.
Our fourth annual tournament will be Feb 21st & 22nd at SIR, and there are 4
out of town tournaments we hope some of the ICECATS will be able to attend. The holiday tournament
in New Jersey was a great time, and the last game against the high school mentors and coaches was very exciting. Martin
Luther King weekend some of us will be driving to Albany for their annual games for a one day trip. Its good to see
friends again on the ice.
The USA Disabled Festival is being held in Buffalo this year in March. Coach would like to take 2 teams and
include everyone. This will be set us as a day trip, so no added costs for hotel rooms. In order to do this, we
need lots of parent and staff support and drivers.
The SHI year-end tournament is in April in North York, Canada. We probably will only take one team because of the
cost.
The Rochester Ice Cats are a member of Special Hockey International, "THE HEART LEAGUE" an organization
that has 35 member teams located throughout the US and Canada. Expansion is continuing to move with teams now forming
in England.
Our team has played games against teams located in Toronto, St. Catherines Canada, Albany and Westchester, New York.
We have been able to participate in torunaments in Albany, Oshawa Ont, lower New York and other cities. Teams attended
from as far a way as Seatle, Washington. We look forward to our continuation in the future.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide training in ice hockey for individuals with developmental disabilities. The overall goal of
our organization is to allow all individuals, with developmental disabilites, in the Rochester, Monroe County, New York
area the opportunity to experience exciting fun in learning a new skill. The skill sets learned will encompass skating,
the game of hockey, being a member of a team. Additionally, our individuals be part of the opportunity to meet new people
from different areas and cities, experiencing travel and all the benefits that go along with it.
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