IceHogs Assistant Coach has special connection to the Autism community
The Hogs hosted their 13th annual Autism Awareness night
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The IceHogs had won four straight before falling Friday to the Chicago Wolves. They look to get back on track as they host the Iowa Wild. Wins and losses are what we normally focus on in sports but something was going on at the BMO that transcends the game of hockey.
The IceHogs annual Autism Awareness game, now in its 13th year, has impacted the Rockford community for more than a decade…but this year it hits close to home for one member of the Hogs staff. Former Hogs captain now Assistant Coach Jared Nightingale has a special connection to the autism community.
“I played here ten years ago and the IceHogs have done this every year they have Autism Awareness night. Actually, I became close with a local at the time she was 10 years old, Emily Davie,” Coach said, “We’ve kept in touch all these years”.
“Jared and Emily just bonded right away and they became the best of friends”, Lori Davie, Emily’s mom said.
Support is great, but having her favorite hockey player being your biggest cheerleader is a dream come true for Emily. “Not everyone in the world is like that and has that kind heart, especially to people who have autism or other differences”, Lori said.
A night like this serves as a reminder to the coaches and players that there’s something..Bigger than the game. “It just means that theres more to the game,” Coach continued, “We’re hockey players but really that’s not who we are as people. There’s a whole lot more to life, and it’s a good reminder”.
Prior to the game, the Pucks for Autism group played in an inclusion game at the BMO to get the ice ready for the Hogs later to take on their conference foe the Iowa Wild.
“It was an opportunity for inclusion. Which is so important for the autism community. Inclusion, acceptance, and seeing their abilities”, Lori shared.
Every Saturday night game at the BMO is a Rockford community staple, but this Saturday’s game will have a profound impact on an often-overlooked and underappreciated group of fans.
“It’s like the community is saying we want to include you, we’re accepting you, we see you”, Lori said.
“It’s a special night for them and for us especially to bring awareness to it and kind of celebrate their night”, Coach said.
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