Neurodiverse Hockey Association

09/01/2024

Shout out to all of those who have donated gear - most recently WHL in Sault Ste. Marie collected gear for us and our local Sledge Hockey group at the Rotary Fest Parade.

What a wonderful hockey community we have in the Soo! 🥰

If your child needs hockey gear in order to participate this season and you are unable to acquire it, please message this page. I will be posting a list of what we have as well as a list of needs shortly.

07/18/2024

Hi all!

Apologies for the hiatus!

Here are some updates about the program:

1) I am finally ready to get things going this season and looking at getting ice time once per month to get started.

2) The program will be free (or by donation) to maximize accessibility and show that thanks to the fundraised money from Spark Rehabilitation's fundraiser. This money will be used for ice time fees and we have some donated equipment still available as well.

3) we have a lovely new logo, courtesy of my amazing sister who works in graphic design

4) we have confirmed that we will be able to utilize the sleds from the city's sledge hockey program to further increase accessibility of this program

Stay tuned for updates and please message the page or email [email protected] with any questions or if you would like to join the contact list once ice time is secured.

09/19/2022

Okay folks, lets do some fundraising!

I have created a hockey pool to continue to raise funds to get this program up and running.

Entry fee will be $20 and the winner of the pool at the end of the season will get half of the proceeds (will be split in the event of a tie). The other half will go towards developing our programming.

Please use the following link if you wish to sign up:
https://www.officepools.com/invite/classic/m/QB96YG9

Payments can be made to [email protected], but please send a message to this page, or put your name, fantasy team name and contact information in the etransfer comments.

FAQ: Do I need to know about hockey to enter?

A: No! We have simplified the hockey pool rules to allow for everyone to participate. Instead of drafting players, you will select one player from a choice of 5 for each position. All players in each category will be of similar skill, so if you don't know hockey, just pick the best-sounding name 😅

Create your team and join my pool now!

09/18/2022

First I would like to thank Spark Rehabilitation for helping us acquire lots of hockey equipment and thank you to all of our donors who have given so far!

We have already raised over $500 to help get our free hockey program going and help kids access sport!

I am in the process of creating a team of volunteers as we have had more inquiries than expected already and I am having trouble keeping up! Please bear with us through our growing phase 😊

I will be posting our next fundraiser (a very simple to enter hockey pool) shortly... stay tuned!

09/08/2022

Spark rehabilitation is hosting the first ever fundraiser for the NHA tomorrow from 2-6 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Come show your support by donating equipment, eating at our BBQ or just come to say hi!

09/08/2022

The Neurodiverse Hockey Association (NHA) was developed in 2022 to help make hockey more accessible in the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario area and to help remove barriers to participation in sport.

The primary goal is to gather used equipment, fundraise and work with community partners to help remove barriers for kids to participate in sport. Though the focus is on hockey as it is one of the most expensive sports to participate in, we will work together with all sports leagues to help more kids play sports.

The secondary goal is to obtain ice time on a monthly-weekly basis and provide free hockey instruction for children who are unable to participate in traditional hockey programs for any reason. Sessions will be inclusive to all needs and abilities (sledges with push handles and lifts are available upon request)

Please message this page if you would like more information about how to donate or how to request equipment/assistance with enrollment in sport for your child.

- Kate Wainio-Smit
Founder NHA