PARMA – Last month, the Parma Redmen varsity hockey team faced off with the Cleveland Rockin’ Wildcats – a team of area athletes with special needs – and, in the process, raised $5,210 for the Rockin’ Wildcats – members of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA).

The partnership started in 2014 when equipment manager Luke Grahl – a special needs student at Parma High School and equipment manager for the Redmen – played for the Rockin’ Wildcats and challenged the Redmen to a scrimmage.  Both sides enjoyed the experience so much the game became an annual event.

“It’s an opportunity for our kids to give back,” said Parma head coach Joe Guadino.  He says the Redmen have raised almost $11,000 over the last two years for the Rockin’ Wildcats and $25,000 in all.  “They are like family to us.”

Mark Doubrava says most of the money raised for the Rockin’ Wildcats through these events is used to help pay for ice time, but that is not where the contribution ends.

“With any monies that are left over we use to bring other ASHA teams in for a couple of games on a Saturday or Sunday,” he said.  “Following these games, the Wildcats always have a party with food and beverages as the social aspect of this program means as much as the hockey portion.”

Doubrava as the Wildcats owe a lot to the local high school teams and appreciate their support.

“The high school teams that we currently play against show great sportsmanship and understanding of what our program means to our kids,” he said.  “I can’t say enough for Joe and his group from Parma as without their support we would not be able to do the things we are currently doing.”

Click here to learn more about the Cleveland Rockin’ Wildcats

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest