Young Hockey Fanatic Attends Camp

Twelve-year-old Max Stephens from Medford recently attended the 41st American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association (AHIHA) held at Seven Bridges Hockey Arena in Woodridge, Illinois in June.

Children of all ages attended the week long camp instructed by Hall of Fame coach Tony Granato. The camp was started by businessman Irv Tiahnybik and Hall of Fame member Stan Makita to install confidence and self-esteem into young players, and to teach them techniques that they can bring back to their local hockey programs.

Max, joined with his junior varsity teammates, played local JV teams from the area nightly. All of Max’s teammates have various levels of hearing impairment. Local teams are encouraged to play without speaking and are issued earplugs to see what it is like to play with little or no hearing.

On the final day of the camp, Max was presented with the Nick Wehrling award, which is given to a junior varsity player who demonstrates strength and a willing spirit. Max will also have a shot at the 2019 winter deaf olympics competing with his AHIHA teammates.

– Submitted by Bill Stephens