Coach Says Working With Special Hockey Players Isn't A Sacrifice

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In the beginning, every hockey player faces the same challenges.

Coaches help develop the skills of skating and scoring. Dale Veer has had that responsibility for the last 25 years and every one of his players has been an athlete with special needs.

"One of the things I hear from people when I tell them that I work with kids with special needs is...'Oh, that's great. You're so wonderful for doing that,' which kind of implies it's a sacrifice, and it's not," said Veer, a coach with Minnesota Special Hockey.

Nicolas Rowen found his place on the ice with Dale's encouragement.

Both are on the Plymouth Moose, which is the newest Twin Cities team to join the Minnesota Special Hockey league.

"I'm, like, really good at hockey," Rowen said.

The club gives athletes of all ages a chance to play no matter their disability.

For Rowen, who is on the autism spectrum, it was the right fit.

"It is beautiful. It's a wonderful experience for me and my wife just to watch him on the ice," said Brad Rowen, Nicolas' dad.

Brad Rowen watches every game and practice. In his son's two years in the league, he's noticed the improvement on the ice.

"He's working really hard. He has a big smile on his face the entire time," Brad Rowen said.

Brad also noticed the impact the game is having on his son away from the rink.

"His self-esteem has improved, his ability to work with a team has improved, his calmness and his understanding of his physical nature, what he can do, what he can't do, he's now pushing his limits," Brad Rowen said.

For Nicolas Rowen, the league has taught him the importance of teamwork in a sport that's much more than just a game.

"I like to feel free," he said. "I feel like I can move around do my own stuff. It's amazing."

If you'd like to volunteer or donate to the Minnesota Special Hockey league, log onto www.mnspecialhockey.org.