Griffins Sensory And Mental Health Awareness Game by Novella DeGraaf
For the past two years the Grand Rapids community and the Griffins Hockey team have been hosting a special game to promote and bring awareness to people who struggle with sensory or mental health issues. This tradition started last year where all the players would wear custom designed jerseys that were pink to bring more awareness. What made this game special was that the usual flashing and obnoxious lights were not used at this game. Along with that, all the loud sounds that are common at a hockey game, like the goal horn, had their volume reduced by half. With all of these factors put into play, they urged people who have sensory and mental health issues like people on the spectrum with ADHD, Autism, and just sensitive people, to come and enjoy the game. The other team that the Griffins played were the Texas Stars, who were very respectful and content with the way the game was set up.
The actual game itself was thrilling to watch even with some key components missing. In the first period, the Griffins were starting at what could be a slow pace, and you could say the opposite for the Stars. Right out of the beginning only about three minutes into the game and the Stars got their first goal, absolutely smashing it into the net. Fans were clearly upset about this hoping that the rest of the game would turn out different. This didn't stop the Griffins though, they wasted no time getting right back into the swing of things on their home ice. Many shots were exchanged on each side of the ice from both teams but no goals were scored.
The second period was very exciting to watch. With lots of movement of the puc coming from the Griffins, they gradually created an opening, enough to slide one in to create a tied game. However, immediately after the face off, the Griffins got the puc, and passed it to a wide open forward for an additional goal. These back-to-back goals allowed them the lead, making the score after this period 2-1.
Coming into the third period, not just the players' nerves were high, but also the fans. With the location being a home game along with an almost sold out crowd, the idea of a close game came unsettling to many. But with confidence oozing from the Griffins being up, that didn't sound like even a possibility. Well into the third, one of the defenseman Simon Edvinsson received a pass from a fellow player. He found a perfect opening and took a shot, getting yet another goal for the Griffins. The end of the game was nearing. The Stars had tried a last ditch effort of taking their goalie out to sub in an extra forward player in hopes to shorten the point gap. This strategy had only backfired on the thought. With a wide open goal, The Griffins were able to take a full shot from the opposite end of the ice into the opposing net to finish off the game. With the final being 4-1 the Griffins keep a winning streak of 8 games in a row and their 15 game point streak.
Remember not only when you show up to a Griffins game, you can have fun, but it also supports the team and Grand Rapids community, allowing them to host more special events such as this in the future!
The actual game itself was thrilling to watch even with some key components missing. In the first period, the Griffins were starting at what could be a slow pace, and you could say the opposite for the Stars. Right out of the beginning only about three minutes into the game and the Stars got their first goal, absolutely smashing it into the net. Fans were clearly upset about this hoping that the rest of the game would turn out different. This didn't stop the Griffins though, they wasted no time getting right back into the swing of things on their home ice. Many shots were exchanged on each side of the ice from both teams but no goals were scored.
The second period was very exciting to watch. With lots of movement of the puc coming from the Griffins, they gradually created an opening, enough to slide one in to create a tied game. However, immediately after the face off, the Griffins got the puc, and passed it to a wide open forward for an additional goal. These back-to-back goals allowed them the lead, making the score after this period 2-1.
Coming into the third period, not just the players' nerves were high, but also the fans. With the location being a home game along with an almost sold out crowd, the idea of a close game came unsettling to many. But with confidence oozing from the Griffins being up, that didn't sound like even a possibility. Well into the third, one of the defenseman Simon Edvinsson received a pass from a fellow player. He found a perfect opening and took a shot, getting yet another goal for the Griffins. The end of the game was nearing. The Stars had tried a last ditch effort of taking their goalie out to sub in an extra forward player in hopes to shorten the point gap. This strategy had only backfired on the thought. With a wide open goal, The Griffins were able to take a full shot from the opposite end of the ice into the opposing net to finish off the game. With the final being 4-1 the Griffins keep a winning streak of 8 games in a row and their 15 game point streak.
Remember not only when you show up to a Griffins game, you can have fun, but it also supports the team and Grand Rapids community, allowing them to host more special events such as this in the future!