For the past 5 years, the Dartmouth Whalers U15 Major Hockey Team have headed to the Shearwater Arena to face the Nova Scotia Highlanders Special Needs Hockey Club for a game during our season. These games have become a special part of the Whalers U15 Major program for our players/coaches, and parents. 

While that might seem like the end of the involvement, that is simply not the case. The NS Highlanders have become a part of our hockey community. On game day, they arrive on various buses at the Sportsplex wearing their hockey jerseys and big smiles. They know the players by name and number and follow the league schedule and stats closely. There is a lot of energy when they enter the rink - often arriving long before either team. They engage with our players and spectators and their enthusiasm is infectious. They are incredibly supportive and passionate about the game we all love. 

We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet these athletes. We often hear, "Hockey is for Everyone". Lucky us to experience this with the NS Highlanders. 

Submitted by Heather Baltzer