Brandon Van Sickle to Represent Canada at World Cup

INTERNATIONAL DISABLED HOCKEY WORLD CUP

The inaugural International Disabled Hockey World Cup will take place May 11-17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event provides athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play for a world championship as these disciplines do not have enough teams or are not recognized by the international body to participate in the Paralympics.

The tournament will feature women's sled hockey, men's development sled hockey, deaf/hard of hearing hockey, blind hockey, special hockey and amputee hockey. Each discipline will contain four teams that will compete in a minimum of four tournament games. There will be a championship game for each discipline, except for special hockey in which all participants will be recognized. The International Disabled Hockey World Cup will follow the same rules normally used by each disciplines International Federation. For more information, please email:

 disabledhockey@usahockey.org

TEAM CANADA SPECIAL HOCKEY

Each member organization of CNSH (Canadian National Special Hockey) was invited to nominate a player(s) to participate in the Special Hockey competition at the International Disabled Hockey World Cup.  There were commitments, requirements and qualifications that each player had to meet.  The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program nominated Brandon Van Sickle, a 10-year veteran of our organization who plays on the Senior PHOENIX team. Brandon is the son of Andrew Snead and Robert Krueger.

He’s an enthusiastic and polite young man…a joy to have on any team. Brandon excels in soccer and floor hockey and has traveled extensively with Special Olympics…competing in the World Games in soccer at Abu Dhabi…winning a bronze medal and winning gold at the Nationals, in soccer, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.  He also plays baseball, swims and is involved in 10-pin bowling.  He displays excellence in all he does!  We’ve watched Brandon improve and excel with each passing season and he is certainly an excellent candidate to represent Canada at the Hockey World Cup. 

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program is proud to announce that Brandon has been accepted to represent Team Canada.  Team Canada will play a minimum of four (4) games against Special Hockey International teams from the USA, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.  This is a first-time event for Team Canada.

Everyone in the Kawartha Komets organization wishes Brandon the very best as he represents our country and the City of Peterborough.

Peterborough, ON – January 25^th,2020  

kawarthakomets@gmail.com     

DONATE to the Komets Today, GIVING TUESDAY, December 3rd, 2019

TODAY, December 3rd, 2019 is GIVING TUESDAY!!! 

We encourage you to make a donation of $25.00 or more to the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program today, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 - GIVING TUESDAY - and Canada Helps will add $5.00 to each donation.

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK to make a donation.  REMEMBER...if you make a donation on GIVING TUESDAY, today, of $25.00 or more, Canada Helps will add $5.00 to your donation.

Thank you for partnering with us in this our 11th season of providing girls, boys, teens and adults with physical, emotional and/or neurodevelopmental challenges an opportunity to play the game they love...HOCKEY!

All donors who make a donation of $25.00 or more TODAY will receive an Official Income Tax Receipt.

Busy Weekend for the Komets & Robert McGregor

It was another busy weekend for the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program and a very special one for our SATURNS (Junior) goaltender, Robert McGregor. On Saturday we had three games against the Newmarket Nighthawks here in Peterborough. 

Before the game, Robert presented a cheque for $500 to the Komets...proceeds from the sale of his book A Journey of a Thousand Steps. Robert's book recounts the challenges he has faced over the years...battling cancer, his visual impairment and a successful kidney transplant...his father John being the donor.

Today the Komets played four games in Ajax against the Durham Dragons. Robert's friends and family were in attendance...in full force...to cheer him on. We captured them on camera following his game.  THANK YOU, Robert, for being such an inspiration to all of us.

Please contact us at dwfisher@nexicom.net if you'd like a copy of A Journey of a Thousand Steps.

Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough GRANT

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program is excited to announce that we received a Vital Community Grant this week from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough in the amount of $5,000.

On Thursday November 14, 2019, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough announced an investment of $116,500 in grants to support the work of 26 local charities.

The investment supports projects that strengthen community connections. This granting focus has been informed by local community knowledge and through the Foundation’s Vital Signs and Vital Conversations initiatives. The funding was announced during a reception at Peterborough Museum and Archives.

The proceeds from this Vital Community Grant will be used to subsidize the cost of purchasing new helmets for our special needs hockey players and helping with the registration fees of players who can't afford the minimal fees which the Komets charge.

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program is grateful for this Vital Community Grant.

For more information on the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough please visit their web site by clicking HERE.

Kawartha Komets Announce New Sponsorship

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program is pleased to announce a new sponsorship with ACCESS STORAGE, formerly operating as STORE-N-SAVE here in Peterborough.

The Kawartha Komets have been using the excellent facilities of ACCESS STORAGE for over five (5) years at their location on 1850 Fisher Drive, Peterborough ON K9J 6X6.

ACCESS STORAGE is Proudly Canadian Owned with over 200 locations from coast to coast. “We are honoured to align ourselves with the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program in this partnership as we value strong community relationships and the Komets’ heartfelt cause to break down barriers to include all in the sport of hockey.”

From a basic 5’x5’ to a large 15’x20’ locker, an interior climate-controlled unit, to an exterior drive-up one, their facility has it all...and with options to suit any budget. All of the premium self-storage features you could require are available at the Access Storage in Peterborough including great service everyday!

For any of your storage needs, we encourage you to contact ACCESS STORAGE by calling 1–855-466-7367 or by visiting their website BY CLICKING HERE.

THANK YOU, ACCESS STORAGE, for your sponsorship of our special needs hockey program! Your partnership will assist the Kawartha Komets in fulfilling our mandate of "Making Dreams Come True" for our players!

Bonding

Downs and Ups

In special needs hockey, players are only opponents until one goes down. 

Then...we become brothers (or sisters)...making sure the player who is "down" is alright. 

Then we help the player "up" and continue with the game. 

An amazing sport for incredible athletes!

The Wolves Were Howling

On Sunday afternoon the Peterborough Wolves Special Olympics floor hockey team took on the local Fire Fighters who were really "fired up" for the game.  The game took place in the gym at Trent University.

The Wolves picked up a win and it was very entertaining to watch.  The Wolves were using this amazing opportunity to gear up for the Special Olympics Nationals in Thunder Bay, Ontario in February!

One of the goalies in the game is a member of the Guelph Special Olympics floor hockey team and drove from there to help out the Wolves.

Several of our Kawartha Komets players were in uniform for the Wolves and they all played a great game.

Stone Shearer, one of the Komets, had to leave before the team photo was taken

Komets players from left...Jesse Campbell, Ryan Blinn, Jacob Zitman, Brandon Vansickle & Quinten Over 

Komets' Season # 11 Launched on the Road in Newmarket

The Kawartha Komets launched Season # 11 with three (3) games in Newmarket against the Nighthawks.  

The players were anxious to get on the ice after waiting all summer for their hockey season to start.  Kyle Bolton, a Saturns center, could hardly wait for the puck to drop to get the season underway!

The Nighthawks are always great hosts and we played those games without having had any practices.  We are back home at the Evinrude Centre with practices for all four (4) teams for the next three weeks.  You can check our draft Schedule by clicking on the SCHEDULE tab on this web site.

The Komets will be welcoming several new players this weekend.  We were thrilled to sign up one of our Alumni players, Max Lagrois, in Newmarket on Saturday.  After missing last season with the Komets, Max was so excited to be back that he scored the first two goals in the Intermediate game.

BLAZE KOMETS, BLAZE!

I think Kyle Bolton was saying..."please drop the puck!"  

 

We welcomed back Max Lagrois with his parents Yvette and Dennis  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thank You, Mary McGee, for your 8th Season of Komets Sponsorship

The Kawartha Komets are thrilled to announce that long-time sponsor, supporter, friend and encourager, Mary McGee, has come forward again before the 2019-2020 season with her sponsorship in memory of her late husband Jack McGee, founder of Jack McGee Chevrolet Cadillac.  

The Komets are preparing to launch our 11th season of "special needs hockey" and this is the 8th year that Mary McGee has partnered with us.  It was our pleasure to visit Mary recently to thank her for her ongoing sponsorship which enables the Komets to continue to BLAZE for another season.

David Fisher
Director of Promotions, Communications and Media Relations
Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program

The following quotes by Mrs. McGee appeared in an article by Sports Director Mike Davies in the Peterborough Examiner back in 2012 when Mary decided to become the major sponsor for theKawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program:

"Jack McGee cheered for the underdog and the Kawartha Komets is the type of team he would have supported", says his widow.

That’s why Mary McGee decided to answer the special needs hockey team’s plea for a major sponsor. She has donated $10,000 in memory of Mr. McGee, founder of Jack McGee Chevrolet Cadillac, to help the fledgling team.

“Jack always loved kids and always loved the underdog,” said Mary. “These are the kind of people who sometimes slip through the cracks. I thought this would be a perfect way to remember Jack and to help these people.”

“I’ve been trying to find something to do in memory of Jack and the right thing didn’t seem to come along,” she said. “I thought this sounded like a perfect fit.”

“Jack was always interested in helping kids and sponsoring teams,” she said. “He was always there when someone needed a handout. I can't remember Jack saying ‘no.’ We usually do this anonymously, we have preferred to do it that way, the only reason I told the Fishers it was all right to mention it is because I wanted to do it in memory of Jack. He was a very special man to a lot of people.”

Kawartha Komets and Northumberland Lions Working Relationship

ANNOUNCEMENT & MEDIA RELEASE…August 31st, 2019

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program is excited to announce that beginning with the 2019-2020 season we have entered into a working relationship with the Northumberland Lions Special Needs Hockey Program.

  

The Komets  just celebrated their 10^th Anniversary Season with four (4) teams and over 60 players.

The Northumberland Lions just completed their 1^st season of special needs hockey, led by Brian Brown, Yvette Lagrois and Dennis Lagrois.  Mr. Brown has since left the Lions organization.

The Kawartha Komets were approached by the Northumberland Lions and following ongoing discussions with the Lagrois family, the Board of Directors of the Komets unanimously approved this new partnership that will benefit both programs.

The Northumberland Lions’ web site states the following:

“SPECIAL NEEDS SHINNY - Players of all ages! No skill level required!

The special needs shinny program is run by the Municipality of Port Hope, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture as per an initiative brought forward by the Accessibility Committee. This program runs at the Jack Burger Sports Complex on Sundays at 4-5pm and is open to special needs patrons of all ages and abilities. For the 2019/2020 season, Five Counties has sponsored the program making it free for all drop in participants. Port Hope Panther players as well as a core group of volunteers will be on hand to assist all participants and ensure a fun, safe and inclusive environment. We are appreciative of the volunteer support offered by the Panthers.

Northumberland Lions Special Needs Hockey Program:

The Northumberland Lions will be renting ice throughout the year for members to participate in practices and games. Team jerseys will be provided for the players.  Ice time has been generously donated by Ontario Truck Training Academy. Ice times will be released shortly. No registration fee!  SOME EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE.  FREE FOR ALL AGES.”

Our Kawartha Komets/Northumberland partnership:

We anticipate that after learning these hockey skills, players will be encouraged, should they desire to do so, to move up to the Kawartha Komets Junior team, the Saturns, where they can further develop and be involved in games and practices on Saturday mornings at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough.

The Kawartha Komets will do everything we can to support and encourage the Lagrois family and the Northumberland Lions Special Needs Hockey Program.

If you are interested in getting involved or if you’d like more information on these special needs hockey programs, please contact:

Yvette Lagrois @ yvette.lagrois@otta.ca or Carol or David Fisher @ dwfisher@nexicom.net

Check us out at: www.northumberlandlions.ca & www.kawarthakomets.com

David Fisher

Director of Promotions, Communications and Media Relations

Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program  

  

Robert McGregor's Book - A Journey of a Thousand Steps

NOW AVAILABLE -  Robert McGregor's Book - A Journey of a Thousand Steps

Robert McGregor, a goalie with the Kawartha  Komets Junior (Saturns) team has written a book detailing his life story dealing with blindness, 2 kidney transplants and cancer. A compelling story of courage and the strength he found in family, friends, soccer and hockey.

A Journey of a Thousand Steps, softcover, 54 pages. While quantities last, books are available for Kawartha Komets players and others at a pay-what-you-can rate. Regular price: $20.00

To order, please email Roberts1000steps@gmail.com with your order request. Indicate how many copies you would like, your email and mailing address, phone number and then send a cheque to:

John McGregor, 
808 Birchview Road, 
Douro-Dummer, ON 
K0L 2H0.  

Cheques should be payable to John McGregor. E-transfers are acceptable. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society & the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program.

Family, Friends, Fun and Lots of Food at the Komets Annual Picnic

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program's Annual Picnic/BBQ/Potluck and Pool Party was held on Sunday, August 11th, 2019 at Elim Lodge on Pigeon Lake.

Even though the event was held in the middle of vacation time for many of our families and players, we had an excellent turnout.

The facilities at Elim Lodge are amazing and those in attendance could swim, play in the playground, play soccer, football, tennis, bocce ball, ball hockey, beach volleyball or just "hang out".

There was lots of wonderful food, as always, and the day ended as it does each year with an exciting baseball game with parents, staff and board members joining in with the players.

There are too many individuals to thank individually but kudos to everyone who made this annual event a great success!

The Komets were BLAZING...and so was the sun!

Board Members Jim Legon (left) & Kevin Smith

Kawartha Komets & Electric City Maroon & White Walk Together

The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program was asked by the City of Peterborough again this year to be the "Official Flag Bearers" in the Canada Day Parade. We were pleased to have the Electric City Maroon and White Special Needs Hockey Program join us for this event to help carry the flags.  We had a great time, as usual. Many thanks to everyone who participated and to Jim & Sharon Legon for having your classic car in the parade. 

A big THANK YOU to the City of Peterborough for asking us to carry the flags again.  We were so grateful and proud to represent our city, our provinces, our territories and our great country of Canada.

THANK YOU to Lisa Mills, the Komets' Special Events Co-ordinator, for participating in the planning of this event and for keeping those red pails filled with lollipops.

Special thanks to the players who volunteered to carry the flags and those players who handed out the treats.

THANK YOU as well, City of Peterborough, for your generous Community Investment Grants to our program over the last several years.

The Komets and Electric City were BLAZING...together!