When Kevin Malzone’s son was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, the thought that he’d play hockey at any point in his future seemed out of the question.  Today, Dominick is 15 and he does exactly that. How? Through Sled Hockey.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular disease that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary movements such as crawling, walking, head and neck control and swallowing. One in every 40 people carries the gene and there are three types of onset. Type I is the most severe and a child will not survive beyond the age of two. Type II results in children having no motor control or swallowing reflex and they will likely be placed on ventilators. Type III is the mildest form, which results in weaknesses in all of the extremities, particularly the legs, making it difficult to ambulate for long distances and most cannot run.

So how did hockey enter the Malzone’s lives? Dominick’s father was searching on the USA hockey web page when he came across a sled hockey team called The Hornets. This is a team for the physically disabled. The Hornets are a 100% volunteer organization and their mission is to provide youngsters with a physically disability the chance to learn, enjoy and play hockey, at no charge.

Dominick, diagnosed with Type III SMA, has been playing more than 3 months now and he loves it. His father says it is the best thing that has happened to him physically, mentally and emotionally.

The Arctic coaches are holding their first ever fundraiser to raise money for equipment and ice time for the Hornets. In fact, 100% of all donations go to the cause. The fundraiser event is being held Saturday, April 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Arctic Ice Arena at 10700 W. 106th Street in Orland Park (60467). The Hornets will be playing the Arctic hockey coaches. Food and drinks will be available, plus there will be a bake sale, silent auction, ChuckAPuck and a 50/50 raffle.

Many businesses are sponsoring including Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning, MBLO Funding Inc, Prism Corporation, Oak Forest Fire Fighters Union Local 3039, Horton Insurance, Rizza Ford, Mancari’s Disteldorf LTD, VeePack Inc, Dentist Steven Marek, CR Topps, Aurelio’s Pizza, Hilton Suites, Farmers Insurance, Frank’s Automotive and Towing, Theracore Inc, Mullets, Pelican Harry’s Sports Grill, Champs, Fat Sam’s Pub, Rock Bottom Brewery, Houlihan’s, Sports Authority, Pepe’s, Creamery, Chili’s and Turano Bread.

“We think this is such a wonderful cause,” said Joe Aurelio, president of Aurelio’s Pizza. “We are honored to support it and we hope lots of people in the community will come to the big game and even more businesses will jump in and show support.”

For more information contact JJ O’Connor at 847-778-9019 or via email at DublJ95@aol.com.