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Article Highlights Special Hockey Night at the X

By Jared, 10/04/14, 10:15AM CDT

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Jordan Weinand was in the tunnel, covering the action.

Jordan Weinand was in the tunnel as MN Special Hockey and Disabled Hockey teams took the ice at the X last week for Special Hockey Night at the Wild Game. Here is a preview and below, a link to his website for the full article. Thanks Jordan!

THEY SIMPLY WANT TO COMPETE

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MN (Weinand’s World of Words) – Lights out, except for one beam illuminating center ice. Dust particles move slowly through the streak cast from the ceiling as it strikes the ice and reflects, showing a young boy on a metal sled. All eyes on him as he steadies to a stop in the circle of glow. Even from the catwalk of the Xcel Energy Center, you can see the boy doesn’t have legs. What energy he may have lacked below his waist however, was made up for in violent pumps from his left arm. With the Wild crested flag draped behind him, the boy single-handedly caused a raucous reaction from the crowd that continued seconds later as the NHL’s boys of winter jumped onto the ice. Then a fist bump by each Wild player. 20140927_194541I giggle as players stretch lower than ever to connect and create the camaraderie that competition provides. It’s game time for the professionals. For the boy in the sled? He’ll need to wait his turn for the second intermission.

With the help of the MN Wild, Hendrickson Foundation, Minnesota Hockey and USA hockey representatives, two teams got a chance to play on the largest stage possible. Both the Disabled and Sled Hockey programs showcased their teams during intermissions. Two separate programs but with similar goals, to provide people who are wheelchair bound, amputees, have cognitive issues an opportunity to play hockey.

Follow the link below to read the rest of the great review of Special Hockey's Night at the X!

http://jordanweinand.wordpress.com/2014/10/01/they-simply-want-to-compete/#more-497