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Definition of a MN Special Hockey Player

When determining eligibility for the program, the following definition will be used. Any disability outside of this definition will be reviewed by the board of Minnesota Special Hockey to determine eligibility in the program.

Individuals with developmental disabilities experience limitations in three or more of the major core life competencies: capacity for independent living; economic self-sufficiency; learning; mobility; receptive and expressive language; self-care/direction.

Many of the players are adults who lack these core competencies, thus providing them with the opportunity to remain with the same Special Hockey program for many years, compared to typical (i.e. house league, travel and/or high school) programs which players “age out” of.

 

Minnesota Special Hockey players skate after the puck.

The most common developmental disabilities are: 

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Down Syndrome

  • Neurological Disorders

  • Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Seizures

Many Special Hockey players have more than one of those listed. As one example, a combination of Autism and ADD/ADHD is common.