THS Graduate Hosts 2nd Annual Special Olympics Hockey Tournament

According to Troy High 2022 grad and Eagle Scout Wyatt Lucas, there are few things in life as exciting as being a part of a team, playing an amazing sport you love. Wyatt is the founder of Hockey Mentors for Special Players and began playing hockey himself at the age of 4. His love of the sport had him playing all the way through high school and on house and travel teams.

When it came to choose a topic for his Eagle Scout project over three years ago, it was a natural fit to combine Wyatt’s love for hockey with his determination to help others in the special needs community. Hockey Mentors was born—a free-of-charge day of hockey for any individual with special needs regardless of age and ability, where they have the opportunity to learn how to ice skate, play hockey, watch a few hockey games, have lunch and take home some cool swag. “It was really important to me to be able to provide this fun opportunity; I have been fortunate to play with this great group of guys, and I want to give this same chance to individuals with special needs.”

“I started this program initially as my Eagle Scout project in 2019/2020 but COVID interfered and I made a hockey video for my project that year,” continued Lucas. “But once COVID restrictions lifted I wanted to keep my word to the special needs community that they would get a day to skate. The success of that day last June (2022) was one I will never forget--the smiles on the kids' faces and the parents so proud of their kid's achievements. It inspired me to make Hockey Mentors into a (permanent) non-profit.” Wyatt is now a sophomore at Lawrence Tech University, studying Biomedical Engineering.

Players will be placed on a team; they will choose a cool team name and be given an incredible coach to keep the excitement up. Each Special Olympian will work with an experienced hockey player partner to be their buddy on the ice. Their buddy will provide instruction and encouragement as they play a non-contact scrimmage with members of the Troy United hockey team.

No prior experience or knowledge of hockey is necessary and required hockey equipment such as jersey, helmet, stick and gloves will be provided. Caregivers and family members are welcome to sit in the stands and cheer on their favorite player. The crowd will cheer as the Special Olympian experiences the rush of the game and the thrill of scoring a goal.

Something as big as this doesn’t just plan itself, and in addition to Wyatt’s time and organizational efforts, several sponsors lent a hand, support or financial contributions to make the event happen: Dean Sellers Ford, Twin Pines Landscaping, ProV Enterprises, the Troy Community Foundation, and Community supporter Kamal Shouhayib.

According to Valiena Allison, Grants Committee Chair for the Troy Community Foundation: "I am always impressed by young people who understand philanthropy and regularly give back to our local community - Wyatt Lucas puts his heart and soul into helping others. Wyatt spends countless hours fundraising for his Special Needs Hockey Tournament, and this is a special day for folks who might not have had the opportunity to lace up some skates and hit the ice. Wyatt provides the ice time, the needed equipment, hockey coaches and mentors, and lunch. This event is certainly one that each participant looks forward to and will cherish the memories from afterward. The Troy Community Foundation is proud to support Wyatt Lucas's community efforts."

The event will take place on July 8, 2023 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Center at 1819 E. Big Beaver, Troy, MI 48083. To register or for more information please visit: https://hockeymentors.net/

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Photos of last year’s event courtesy of Hockey Mentors for Special Players