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Hockey Provides a Caring Storm

Before any of the Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey team players take to the ice, they have to pass Debbie McQuilkin. Standing at the gate, she greets them and checks their gear, and then when everything is in order, she opens the door.

"For many of the kids, these are their first real friendships, and it's their first time being a part of a team," said McQuilkin, who founded Southern Connecticut Storm Hockey. The team, now in its fourth season, is made up entirely of players with developmental disabilities from age 5 to 26.

The league and Gonzaga University are investigating the effects of team sports on the developmentally disabled. But McQuilkin said she can see the changes first hand. "When these kids first get their jerseys, they are so happy. I don't think they come off for two weeks," she said.

McQuilkin began the team at the request of Mike Hickey, head of the American Special Hockey Association. As manager of her son's hockey team in New Canaan, McQuilkin organized an equipment drive that delivered a locker room full of gear to Hickey. That act of kindness led him to ask McQuilkin to start a special hockey team in the Southern Connecticut region. Her team draws players from Greenwich to the Rhode Island border. The original eight players have grown to more than 50.

Southern Connecticut Storm Hockey accepts players throughout the season. It costs $455 to join, but McQuilkin said financial aid options can help cover costs. At times, the coaches and mentors have chipped in to help. She said the team doesn't want finances to be the reason a child can't play.

For more information about the team, visit its website.

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