Washington Ice Dogs special hockey

The Washington Ice Dogs are a special hockey team with 40 players who have developmental disabilities.   The program is 100% volunteer run with volunteer coaches and high school mentors providing on-ice support and hockey instruction to our players at weekly hockey practices.  The team is affiliated with USA Hockey and ASHA (American Special Hockey Association).  We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which relies on volunteers and donations to provide an authentic hockey team experience with accommodations in place to meet the special needs of its players.

We provide an ice hockey team experience to individuals with developmental disabilities. Forty players of all ages and abilities practice weekly at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel at 8 am - 9:30 am from September through March.  Volunteer coaches plan practices to meet the wide range of abilities.  High school mentors provide on ice-support, working in small groups or 1:1 with players to facilitate the coaches' practice plans.    Players develop physical, behavioral, social, and communication skills and build confidence and independence while enjoying the great sport of ice hockey.