GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — There was a very special hockey game on Sunday at the Patterson Ice Center.
The West Michigan Special Hockey Association teamed up with the Caledonia and Forest Hills Central hockey teams for the first ever Patriot Cup.
The Patriots are a team of local West Michigan kids with disabilities. On Sunday, they were able to play in a real hockey game with some of their classmates on the Fighting Scots and Rangers hockey teams.
"I think it is fun just to have an actual game with them," said Forest Hills Central senior Ryan Southerlund. "Typically, we are just practicing with them and helping them out. Now, we actually get to play with them. That'll be fun. I think it is fun just to get them on the ice. I think everyone deserves to play hockey. It is fun to see them play."
Some Patriots were able to make saves. A few were even able to score goals.
"I am happy for myself but also my teammates," said Caledonia senior Dakota Tomac.
It was a day six months in the making and the WMSHA hopes this event will be around for years to come.
"It is amazing," said Patriots Coach Phil Raduazo. "To see these kids' faces light up when we get out there. When they score a goal for the first time, you can see something just click in these kids and I really enjoy it. It has been a lot of fun."
The Patriots also brought out Griffins public address announcer Eric Zane to call the game.
Caledonia won the first ever Patriot Cup 10-9.
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