Like so many of the youngsters who meet Coach Mike Hickey for the first time, Sam Smith was nervous and reserved.
Smith, a teenager with autism, was among the initial group of players to register for the Special Hockey Washington Ice Dogs, a nonprofit organization Hickey created five years ago to share his love of hockey with disabled athletes, and his condition made even the most mundane social interactions difficult.
Tyler Carr yells encouragement to Ice Dogs teammates during their game last night against Cooksville (Ontario) Crusaders, which ended in a 5-5 tie.
(Jonathan Newton -- The Washington Post)
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Smith, then age 14, would relay any questions or comments at practices through his mother, Sara Sonet, and did not make eye contact with his coaches and teammates. On previous youth teams, Smith was always the only disabled player, and the teasing and banter of the locker room tore away at his confidence, but never quelled his passion for the sport.
The Ice Dogs soon became Smith's refuge. He planned his weeks around each Saturday morning practice at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, all the while cultivating his assuredness and self-esteem to the point where he is now a team leader and spokesman. Smith recently accompanied Hickey to a studio for a live radio interview to promote this weekend's Special Hockey International Tournament for disabled hockey players from the United States and Canada, which is taking place at the Ice House through Sunday.
He also eagerly addressed the entire team and their families during a banquet last spring, urging his teammates to work harder and dedicate themselves to improving their skills each year.
"It would be hard for anyone to watch that without shedding tears," Kim Hickey, Mike's wife, said of Smith's speech. "Even the hardest heart would be touched by that, and it's so moving to see what our players achieve. It's just a game of hockey, and as much as I love the game, it still amazes me that it can do that much."
This weekend is the culmination of the Hickeys' vocation. They have been volunteering 30 to 40 hours a week to host and coordinate the tournament -- in addition to working full-time jobs -- which has 22 teams participating from as far as Toronto, Colorado and Oregon. For the players, there is no better time; with so few special hockey teams around the country, competition is scarce, and many of the clubs practice five months in preparation for this annual event.
"I look forward to this all year," Smith said. "Hockey is very important to me and I can't stop saying to myself that I want to play for this team for a long time."
Joy abounded at the Gardens Ice House yesterday, as players reveled in a hockey-mad environment. An appearance by Washington Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig -- his foundation, Athletes Against Autism, helped with the event -- was eagerly awaited by the youngsters. Kolzig's son, Carson, has autism.
For a few hours yesterday it was easy for Kolzig to feel good about his sport again in what has been a miserable season for the Capitals, with his dreams for Carson reflected in these special athletes who adore him.
"It's just great to picture my son five years from now," Kolzig said, "and if he can play hockey, that would be something truly wonderful to see. And to see these kids doing it now, that's what being a human being is all about."
The four-day celebration of hockey, and those who overcome such adversity to play it, would not be possible without Hickey, 40, who has played the game all his life and was teaching disabled students at a special education school in Laurel when he read about the charter Special Hockey program in St. Louis.
"I just wanted to give something back to the game that has given me so much," Hickey said.
Two years of planning and fundraising were required before the Ice Dogs had their first practice; they are now one of 25 special hockey organizations operating in the United States, Canada and Europe. The team now has 23 players, from ages 6 to 35, and has traveled as far as 12 hours by bus for tournaments.
