A group of players from the Northland have joined the ranks of the Minnesota Special Hockey family. Special Hockey is for people of all ages who have developmental disabilities.

There’s now a team in Grand Rapids.

One of the players is Cayson Sirjord, who is 16-years-old. “Some of my friends were on the team, and told me about it,” he shared with us.

He grew up playing hockey in Hibbing, but as he got older, it became more difficult. Now he feels like he belongs again.

They just had their first games in St. Cloud this past weekend. And they are grateful for the Grand Rapids Hockey Association, which donates their ice time on Sundays.

You don‘t have to know how to skate or play. The coaches will help.

Avrielle Schneider is the coach, and is proud of what she’s seeing already.

She got into this after seeing another hockey family become involved with the Duluth team.

There is a Minnesota Special Hockey team in Duluth as well, and they’ve been skating together since 2015.

Kate Ugrich’s son Aden used to skate there, and now skates with Grand Rapids.

“There are over 300 players signed up this year, and almost 200 volunteers,” explained program director Holly Tchida.

You can still sign up for the Grand Rapids team through December: https://www.mnspecialhockey.org/playerregistration

And for more on the Rapids team: https://www.mnspecialhockey.org/page/show/8756764?subseason=936573&tab=content