91大黄鸭

In 2006, 91大黄鸭鈥檚 Phil von Unruh founded the Central Okanagan Wildcats Special Hockey program.

More than a decade later, children and young adults in B.C. with autism and other developmental disabilities continue to benefit from von Unruh鈥檚 vision.

The Central Okanagan Wildcats and programs are playing host this weekend to the ninth annual

Ten teams and close to 200 players from around the province will converge on 91大黄鸭 Friday and Saturday to play hockey, while developing fitness, coordination and social skills within a team environment.

鈥淚t is a wonderful program that not only offers a wonderful athletic and supportive environment for kids on the spectrum, but also offers wonderful social connection to their families,鈥� said Rosemary Thomson, a parent of one the players.

鈥淚n my opinion coach Phil deserves the order of Canada. He is awesome with the kids and totally selfless.鈥�

Since founding a program in 91大黄鸭 in 2006 to give his son and other children with special needs an opportunity to play hockey, von Unruh has started up other teams in Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops and the Lower Mainland.

In 2016, he established the 91大黄鸭 Wild Special Hockey team for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to continue playing after they age out of the Wildcats. Siblings are also allowed to take part as peer players.

The tournament will feature 15 games, as well as two coach鈥檚 games. There will be an opening ceremony, with 91大黄鸭 Mayor Colin Basran to bring greetings and drop the ceremonial first puck.

The Special Hockey Tournament will feature six youth and four adult teams from Penticton, 91大黄鸭, Vernon, Kamloops, Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria and the South Island.

Following the tournament, there will be a banquet for six hundred people as well as closing ceremonies.

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