When the Cambridge Ice Hounds hit the ice on Jan. 27 at Galt Arena Gardens for their annual charity game against the Waterloo Regional Police Service, it's not about who wins or loses.
Forming lasting connections, instilling confidence and raising awareness for accessible sports programs in the community are the real goals.
The Ice Hounds are a hockey program designed for players with special needs who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to lace up the skates.
Each year since 2014, they've hosted a game against local police officers to raise money for their program.
"This is one of those events we circle on our calendar at the start of every season," Cam Linwood, head coach of the Ice Hounds, said.
"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on the faces of every athlete on the ice during this very special event. The stories about special moments created on the ice echo throughout the halls of Galt Arena all season long."
The day begins at 2 p.m. when officers join the Learn-To-Skate program on the ice to help them build their skills.
Game action gets underway at 3 p.m. with the juniors taking on the Blue C.R.E.W., followed by intermediate at 4 p.m. and senior at 5 p.m.
"Our Blue C.R.E.W. is looking forward to taking on the Cambridge Ice Hounds in next week’s exhibition game," Melissa Quarrie, public information officer for WRPS said.
"These games have been a fun and exciting way to promote inclusion and sportsmanship, and to build relationships with community partners through sport."
Special hockey is an adaptive form of the game for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. It provides a safe, supportive environment for athletes of differing abilities and focuses on sportsmanship, teamwork, friendships and achieving goals to aid in physical and mental wellbeing.
"Beyond creating lasting connections between our athletes and members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, this annual event helps instill confidence and a sense of pride in our Ice Hounds athletes," Linwood said.
"They also develop a true sense of belonging through events like this and the community awareness that's generated has a huge impact on our program."
Knowing the everyday challenges the athletes and their families face, getting on the ice gives them an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the game like anyone else, Linwood said.
"Our goal is to create opportunities for them and their families where they can feel bigger than the game itself," he said.
"Each day, our athletes and their families bravely rise to meet their challenges with determination and achieve their goals. Our hope through events like this is to support them in overcoming obstacles that would have otherwise prevented them from being involved with a team."
Entry into the event is free but donations are being collected at the door.
For more information on the Cambridge Ice Hounds visit cambridgeicehounds.ca.