Local Special Needs Skaters Challenge Veterans in Rematch

Four Ocean Township ice hockey players will take the ice when the Brick Stars Challenger ice hockey faces the USA Warriors Veterans ice hockey in their 7th Annual Challenger Winter Classic, Sunday February 4th at Avon Pond in Avon-by-the-Sea. The puck drop is at noon.

The Brick Stars Challenger Hockey program embraces children and young adults with physical, cognitive or other challenges, including autism and Down syndrome, that can make it difficult to join skating or hockey programs. The program serves towns throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Local teammates Brian Huntley, Donald Petersen and Evan Yasser of Ocean (pictured), plus Tyler Chasey of Ocean and Danny Sullivan of Neptune have skated with the Stars for nearly a decade.

USA Warriors Ice Hockey, based in Laurel, MD, is comprised of wounded or disabled military veterans. In addition to physical activity, the program provides a healing sense of camaraderie and purpose that is often missing after military service.

The event includes a military honor guard, participation by NJ Devils alumni and mascot, refreshments, and a silent auction including signed sports memorabilia.

Admission is a free-will donation to the Brick Stars program, a portion of which will help the Brick Stars travel team attend their first USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Festival in Illinois. The current weather forecast is for clouds but no rain at gametime.

The Challenger Winter Classic is a calendar highlight for both teams.

“Our kids ask at the first practice, when are we playing the Warriors?” said Alex DePalma, founder and director of the Brick Stars program.

Warriors goalie Army Cpl. John Laursen (Ret) (pictured with Brick Stars players) is from Brick and played for DePalma. He proposed the first game against the Stars. “The whole team wanted to come,” he recalled. “There wasn’t enough room for all of them. It’s been the same every year. We love seeing these guys develop and grow.”

“Everyone leaves this game with a big smile,” DePalma said. “It’s a great chance to tell veterans how much you appreciate their sacrifice, and to cheer on some very determined Brick Stars players.”

Learn more about the game or the Brick Stars by contacting alexdepalma@comcast.net, dinac01@aol.com or visiting brickstarshockey.webs.com. For more information on the USA Warriors Ice Hockey program visit usawarriors.org For game weather conditions see avonpond.org.