Minnesota Special Hockey Players skate with NHL players more than hockey

When Justin Evilsizer was in middle school, he always walked head down and had no contact with anyone.

A Minnesota special needs student was not comfortable enough to embrace his peers and his environment. Thanks to hockey, however, Justin has new confidence and a chin-up.

“It helped him grow and exponentially leave more and be more confident,” said Justin’s father, Brian Evilsizer. “He’s grown exponentially by being in Minnesota Special Hockey.”

Justin, now 25, from Plymouth, has been playing with the Minnesota Special Hockey for about a decade with three different teams.

Minnesota Special Hockey is a stand-up hockey program for people with developmental disabilities of all ages. The organization aims to be a place for all athletes who want to play hockey in Minnesota, says Susie MacMillan, a founding member.

“We can meet the need for anyone who wants to play and who can’t play elsewhere,” MacMillan said.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Special Hockey featured 287 athletes on 15 different teams, and last year that number was still over 200, with teams in Moorhead, Alexandria, Duluth, St. Cloud and the entire Twin Cities subway in MacMillan. The Minnesota Special Hockey recommends 5 to 55 year olds with A, B and C skating.