As the Hudson Valley gears up for professional and local ice hockey seasons, one Saugerties-based team takes to the ice with a special mission. Now in their third season, the Hudson Valley Icebergs are a growing team of players who all engage in adaptive ice hockey through the American Special Hockey Association. For the Icebergs, hockey is a safe and inclusive space for players of diverse abilities to enjoy the sport and the skills that come with it.
Founded by local mom, teacher, and now president of the team Carmelina DeWitt, the Hudson Valley Icebergs launched in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic. DeWitt, the pandemic was difficult for a number of reasons, most notably because it hindered her daughter Daniella’s ability to compete on the ice. Daniella, who has sensory processing and autism spectrum disorder, started playing hockey at age nine. Now 12, Daniella overcame her struggles with long COVID and got back on the ice in December 2022 thanks to the Icebergs.
Daniella was the catalyst for the Hudson Valley Icebergs. DeWitt saw how much her daughter’s anxiety and stress melted away on the ice and built the team to allow anyone to give hockey a shot – regardless of ability, skill, or age. “We provide a learn-to-skate program, so no experience is necessary. It’s about finding the right mix of equipment and support for each player, building self-esteem and independence while having fun in a team-sport setting,” DeWitt explains.
Driven by the motto “You Won’t See Us Coming,” the Icebergs are truly a hockey team unlike any other. Six players strong, the team has grown since its inception two years ago to become a family for both the players and the parents who continually help each other on and off the ice. DeWitt sums up the spirit of the Icebergs in two words: perseverance and strength. Team members play with their whole soul in every competition and gain valuable skills about life that could only be taught through the sport of hockey.
“We are so excited to be skating into our third season, with a growing team and an open door for all those who want to join,” DeWitt enthuses.
While the Hudson Valley Icebergs kicked off their third season with a showcase on the ice at the Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties on September 14, the team continues to practice on and off the ice locally as they gear up for competitions in Rochester in January and Binghamton in February, with hopes to schedule more local games in the meantime. The Icebergs are actively seeking sponsors to help support the team; any inquiries can reach out to hudsonvalleyicebergs@gmail.com for more information.
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