‘Hockey with Heart’ ends after six years

After more than half a decade of providing a space for children with autism to play Canada’s favourite sport, Hockey with Heart has made the decision to end the program.

Steve Machan began the program six years ago after struggling to find a place for his non-verbal son with autism to play hockey.

“Due to changes in my personal responsibilities, I can no longer commit myself 100 per cent to the program as it deserves. Please know that I did not make this decision lightly,” said Machan.

When Machan started his program, there were no opportunities for children with autism to have a safe and inclusive space to play hockey in Windsor. Since then, Riverside Minor Hockey Association (RMHA) has started a similar program, which may have made Machan’s decision easier.

“I was only able to make this decision because there is now another program through Riverside Minor Hockey … with there now being two programs with one common goal, rather than run either program dry with volunteers, it is a great opportunity to merge them together,” said Machan.

The team will come together for their last ice time on Feb. 29 followed by a year-end banquet.