Providence Bruins coach Ryan Mougenel speaks after beating Springfield
The Providence Bruins advance in the Calder Cup playoffs after beating the Springfield Thunderbirds in the first round.
PROVIDENCE — It was a seamless partnership and one that just makes too much sense.
Special Olympics Rhode Island and the Providence Bruins are combining forces to provide floorball as a new option for Special Olympics athletes. The sport, essentially ice hockey with a round ball and played without skates, is the 29th official sport for Special Olympics RI athletes.
The Special Olympics and P-Bruins announced the partnership on Thursday at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Special Olympics athletes, Ryan Avedisian and Sarah LaBreche, were flanked by Jeff Hagan, President of the Providence Bruins and the Bruins’ assistant coach, Trent Whitfield, during Thursday’s announcement.
“It’s very exciting for us. First being involved in the community, and these types of partnerships are paramount to what our organization stands for and what our mission is,” Hagan said. “And to be able to do this with an organization like the Special Olympics, I can’t tell you how much that means to me, to our organization, to our staff, to our players and coaches.”
Said Whitfield: “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back, to get our players involved, and be mentors to these young men and women that come out and enjoy these sports.”
Avedisian is a passionate Providence and Boston Bruins fan and floorball is the closest the North Kingstown native can come to playing hockey. His excitement level when Floorball came to fruition was tremendous and the partnership was an added benefit.
“When I heard about [floorball] I was so excited,” Avedisian said. “I played floor hockey when I was in gym class in high school and elementary school. The fact that Special Olympics Rhode Island is bringing that sport now, it still excites me as an adult now.”
LaBreche is just as elated, but it’ll be a learning experience for her and many of the Special Olympics athletes. The 25 athletes start their new endeavor on September 4 with a six-week skills clinic in Cranston with P-Bruins and Special Olympics staff.
“I’ve been an athlete for about 16 years and I think my favorite thing about floorball is that I’m just excited to learn about the sport and to be more active,”LaBreche said.
The skills clinic then leads into a Floorball Tournament on Oct. 11 at Providence College.
“This is really a continuation, really elevating a partnership that has predated today’s announcement,” Ed Pacheco, Special Olympics Rhode Island president and CEO, said. “But it really takes it to the next level.”
The Bruins will also welcome Special Olympics Rhode Island for their first preseason game of the year when they host the Springfield Thunderbirds on Oct. 3. Two athletes will have the opportunity to open the season with the ceremonial puck drop at the AMP.
“The best part about this is, [the Providence Bruins] are going to be there every step of the way,” Pacheco said. “We’re going to have members of the team … showing our athletes exactly what hockey is all about.”
Special Olympics Rhode Island and the Providence Bruins also announced a co-branded baseball hat. The proceeds will support Special Olympics Rhode Island and the new Floorball program. To purchase the hat and tickets to the preseason game, visit, www.providencebruins.com/SORITIXHAT.