Junior hockey is looked at as a stepping stone for hockey players around the world. It’s a dream come true for a lot of kids and just another stepping stone for their path to the NHL.
For one fan in Wyoming, the Gillette Wild junior hockey program is more than just a junior hockey team. They’re a way for Aaliyah Hanson to feel like someone. Hanson was eight years old when she suddenly got sick with a blood infection. The infection quickly spread to her spinal cord and left her paralyzed from the neck down.
Since the infection spread, she has been struggling to find a place to feel comfortable. In stepped the Wild. She began attending the team’s games in 2014 and since then has become part of their community.
“A bunch of the boys are like brothers to me. They support me in a lot of ways and they tell me that I’m not just a kid in a wheelchair. I’m a normal kid and my position is unique and I’m unique to those around me,” said Hanson.
So while junior hockey is looked at as a stepping stone and a great opportunity for athletes to further their careers, it’s great to see it’s more than just a sport.
Brent Sutter Out
Former NHL star, Brent Sutter, has resigned from the Red Deer Rebels, the team he owns.
“At this time, I feel this is the right thing for our organization. Being involved in the game as long as I have both as a player and head coach, I’ve never looked at the game selfishly. The most important thing has always been what’s best for the hockey club,” said Sutter.
Closing Remarks
Sports are a great way to forget about our daily lives for a while and sit back and relax. But they’re also a great reminder that sometimes in life sports are more than just a game. They provide a community, an out for people who are looking for something bigger than themselves. It’s great to see that the Gillette Wild have provided that for one of their fans.
Check us out on Twitter @TJHP and @Nwinansw. We’ll see you next week.
