Montreal hockey program builds skills, confidence for neurodivergent individuals

Many children dream of playing hockey, but for some, that dream can be difficult to achieve.

Avalanche Kidz is working to make that dream a reality by providing programs that help children of all abilities build their skating and hockey skills in a positive, encouraging setting.

With specialized programs for children with special needs, they provide a safe, inclusive space where kids can build confidence, improve social skills, and enjoy the sport.

“We’re giving them the opportunity to play hockey just like every other person who’s ever wanted to do that in Canada and giving them a chance at doing a sport that they potentially wouldn’t be able to do,” said Linda Matteo, president and founder of Avalanche Kidz.

The idea for the hockey program came from a family who reached out to the team. They shared their son Yaakov’s experience and asked if a space could be created for individuals who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum.

“We started with a small idea, a pilot project. We rented ice time to see if this was a need in the community. And indeed, it definitely was. There is a place for these type of people. We are open to expanding with more and more people,” explained Matteo.

Five years ago, specialists told Yaakov’s parents that he would never learn how to skate. His mother says that now, not only is he skating, but he actually usually plays goalie. He moved into the minor league this past year, so he does both. He plays for Avalanche Kidz and is also in the minor league.

“I love it,” said Yaakov.

“If we had listened to the specialists, he wouldn’t be doing that. And the program here has really created somebody who loves what he’s doing and loves hockey, and gave him self-confidence and friends that he didn’t have,” says Yaakov’s mother Ariel Davidson, who does administration at Avalanche Kidz.

She adds that before starting hockey, he didn’t have much of a social life, but now he’s talking to other kids, they’re talking to him, and he’s accepted, regardless of his differences.

“It doesn’t matter, he’s autistic or anything else. They just see him for who he is and everyone loves him. The coaches love him, the players love him, the parents love him, you know, and he just feels like he’s part of a family and that’s what Avalanche Kidz is.

“We created a program where everyone should be part of a family and everyone should feel included and accepted.”

Now, the team provides skating and hockey programs for individuals between the ages of four and 40, and focuses on developing skills, fostering teamwork, and having fun. They also offer specialized sessions for children with unique needs, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.

“There’s not many words that I can say about this, except that it’s exceptional. It’s heartwarming. We take this so much to heart because we love all the families. We love all the people that are here. It’s touched us in so many more ways than we can explain. The children are happy. And when we see smiles on their faces by providing them something, it makes us proud,” Matteo expressed.

The organization believes every child should have the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive on the ice.

“You need a hockey uniform to play hockey because you can injure yourself on the ice and with a puck and stick,” said Lucy, one of the players for the team.

“Come join Avalanche hockey, it’s so much fun!”

Their program is the only one of its kind in the Greater Montreal Area. John Panetta, one of the volunteer coaches for the team, says it’s touching to be a part of.

“The players form incredibly strong bonds, and for the parents, it’s touching to see the look on their faces. Their kids are able to go on the ice, enjoy themselves, have fun, and feel like they’re part of something bigger,” he said.

He explained that, as a parent of two neuro-typical children, he appreciates the opportunities they have to engage with both their peers and adults. He finds it incredibly special and humbling, feeling that it makes him feel important.

“I’ve been a teacher for 20 years. I know the role we play. The one thing I learned early on in my career is that what you teach is not nearly as important as how you teach. The same thing goes for these players. This is about so much more than just hockey. It’s about forming strong bonds and helping the kids learn a little more about themselves, and that is really incredibly special.”

He adds that he stays for the full three-hour session, where each time block has specific objectives. In the second block, there is more free time, as many players would find it difficult to follow drills with the whistle and instructions. Instead, they are given a space to move freely, and with the help of volunteers, they focus on pairing individual skaters with a volunteer to meet their needs and preferences, providing a more personalized experience.

To ensure the programs continued success, they are seeking sponsors to provide the financial support necessary to keep the program running. They say securing ice time is a challenge, and they rely on community support to make this possible.

“Arenas are very, very hard to book ice time. Minor league has really taken over the arenas, and we’re kind of left on the sidelines, where there is no more ice for us. This is a program that has to exist in the community. This is one of a kind in the Greater Montreal area. There’s no one else doing this. So the need is there. We need financial support. There’s no other way for a program like this to exist if we don’t have help from our community,” said Matteo.

She explains that securing ice time is expensive and difficult because they are a private organization with limited options, and despite the program’s growth and a long waiting list, it would be painful to turn away so many kids.

“If this program folds, I don’t know what would happen with these children and we’re not going to make that happen. We’re looking for the community to help us. This is something that has to go on for many, many years.”

“The program is so important. Most people who see it or know of it understand its importance, but a lot of things get forgotten. Without community support, and a lot of that is financial, this doesn’t happen. Renting ice is incredibly expensive, and because it’s not part of the city-run hockey programs, we don’t get any deals on ice time. We pay full price for it, and it gets incredibly expensive. So, that’s the one thing that’s really important for people to know: without financial backing, something like this is not going to be able,” added Panetta.

Matteo adds that people from diverse backgrounds, races, and religions come together on the ice, creating a united and loving community.

“On the ice, we come together. This is where we bring the love home and we’ve all opened our hearts to really make this a grand project. We’re so happy that this program is existing. I’m a little biased by saying that, but I definitely love all of my families, my volunteers, my coaches, the people that are propelling this project. Everyone that’s in the stands. I mean, this would not be possible without everybody.”

As Yaakov said, “Go Avalanche Kidz!”