Among the biggest fans for this weekend’s men’s hockey NESCAC playoffs at Sage Rink will be volunteers from the Arc, an organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The volunteers, who come to campus on Thursdays to help out with the Athletic Department, have formed a special bond with members of Hamilton’s men’s hockey team.
For several years, the two groups meet up for lunch and conversation in Commons Dining Hall on Thursdays before the volunteers head back to the Arc.
Assistant men’s hockey coach Bennett Hambrook ’17 says the relationship between the Arc and men’s hockey started a few years ago under Head Coach Rob Haberbusch. It’s helped foster a bonding experience with Arc’s venture program that the volunteers enjoy greatly. The players and volunteers talk about sports and what’s going on in the world.
“Our guys love doing this. It’s great for our guys and great for the community and it’s a lot of fun,” said Hambrook. “It’s just like they’re a guy playing on left wing or one of our goaltenders. It means a lot to our guys just to have them here.”
Rest assured the volunteers will be at Sage Rink this weekend, cheering on their friends and lending their support.
** Thank you to the Arc, Oneida-Lewis chapter for producing this video.
